Energy suppliers `overcharging customers`

A new survey has suggested that energy suppliers are charging customers more than necessary on their direct debits.

The research by Which? found that 65% of respondents were in credit with their suppliers, but were still being charged more than was necessary to cover their actual usage.

As The Times reports, around 12 million households currently pay for their energy by direct debit, meaning as many as 7.8 million households could be overpaying.

A spokesperson for debt management company Gregory Pennington said: "Many people overpay on their energy bills without realising, since direct debit payments are usually fixed.

"However, billpayers can ensure that they are paying roughly the right amount each month by taking regular meter readings and asking their suppliers to adjust their direct debits accordingly.

"It`s also important to remember that overpaying and going into credit can be better than underpaying and getting into debt - another reason for billpayers to contact their suppliers regularly."

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