During these difficult times of crippling price rises we are all looking to raise a little cash by any means possible. This could be through working a few extra hours at work, selling belongings in various high street pawn shops or even raiding your trusty old piggy bank that’s been gathering dust for months, vainly hoping there’s more than enough inside to perhaps cover your latest bill. 

I logged into my British Gas account in order to check just how much my monthly payments were going to change and to my surprise I had received a message on my account. I was paying too much each month, and I should consider reducing my monthly payments. This is good news for me, it will give me quite a lot of breathing space during the coming winter months if I keep my payments as they are. 

I then logged onto my actual statement. I was extremely and pleasantly surprised to find I was in credit by a whopping £426.24!! Immediately I decided that I was going to ask for a partial refund as I could certainly use the additional funds. 

And then the hammer blow hit. British Gas stated, and I quote, “We can’t offer you a credit refund. We base your payment with the seasons in mind, so we can forecast your plan across the year. Right now you’re in credit by £426.24 but you’ll need that to put towards the cold winter days when they arrive” 

I couldn’t believe it. Who are they to tell me what to do with what is essentially MY money and not theirs? Not to mention the utterly condescending way the message was delivered. It’s as if they are treating me like an idiot and that I am too stupid to budget for myself. I’m pretty sure that the fact I find myself this much in credit speaks volumes on its own about my ability to manage my personal finances.  

I can only come to the conclusion that they are refusing to give refunds purely due to the fact they are gaining daily interest on my over payments , along with those of thousands, perhaps millions of customers across the country who are being told the same thing.

I am not going to drop this issue with British Gas and I will keep you all informed of my progress in future reports.