Millions of UK households could be owed money, as energy companies hold £3.3 billion in customer credit balances. Around 16 million households paying for gas and electricity through fixed Direct Debit currently have credit on their accounts.
The 12-month rolling average of total customer credit held by energy suppliers rose to £3.3 billion in the year ending June 2026, up £100 million from the year ending March 2026. During the same period, the rolling average balance for a household in credit increased to £200, rising by £1 from the previous quarter.
Market snapshot and seasonal trends
A market snapshot at the end of June 2026 showed total credit balances reached £2.9 billion, a rise of £200 million compared with June 2025. The average household credit balance at the end of June was £182, up £4 from £178 a year earlier. All data relates to active domestic accounts current with payments and adjusted for unbilled energy consumption.
The accumulation of cash follows typical seasonal trends in the retail energy industry. Fixed Direct Debits spread energy costs evenly over 12 months, so households generally overpay during warmer months when heating is off, creating a buffer used up in winter.
How to check and reclaim your credit
Energy firms rely on customer credit for market liquidity and financial stability, within licence requirements set by regulators. Consumer champions recommend households verify whether their provider holds surplus funds that should be returned.
If your account has a substantial credit balance, you have a legal right to reclaim it. Submit a current meter reading first, or confirm smart meter readings are up to date, to ensure your balance reflects actual usage. Evaluate your winter reserve: holding several hundred pounds beyond your seasonal rise suggests your Direct Debit may be too high.
Access your online account to review your balance and yearly energy projection. Request a refund under energy licence rules, which require providers to return built-up credit when asked, provided your account is current and bills reflect genuine readings. If a supplier declines, they must justify why keeping the balance is essential. You can also ask for a Direct Debit assessment to lower monthly payments and prevent excess credit building again.
