Need help to understand or change your business energy Direct Debit payments? Find answers to your questions and what you need to do.
Not a business? Go to our British Gas residential website
Follow our guides to see why your business energy payments might be higher than you were expecting.
1. How we calculate your payments
We look at your recent energy usage plus any outstanding balance to calculate your fixed Direct Debit payments. For example:
Annual energy usage = £1200
Outstanding balance = £600
Total = £1800
Divided by 12 = monthly payments of £150
2. If you have a credit balance
With a fixed Direct Debit, your monthly payments will be the same. This means some months you may be in credit and some months you may be in debit, depending on your seasonal energy use.
We review your payments regularly. If you're paying too much or too little based on your average energy use, then we may recommend a change to your monthly payments. We'll let you know before we make any changes as part of the Direct Debit Guarantee. Or you can contact us to discuss your payments.
Find out about business energy credits and refunds.
3. If your bills are estimated
If we don't have an up-to-date meter reading, then we base the amount on an estimate of your energy use.
Avoid estimated bills by giving us regular meter readings. You can do this online or through your online energy account, where you can also set up regular email reminders. If you don't already have an online account, it's quick and easy to register - just have a bill to hand.
4. If you're finding it difficult to pay
If you're struggling to keep up with your monthly payments, we may be able to help with paying your energy bills.
1. How we calculate your payments
With a variable Direct Debit, you simply pay for the business energy you've used in each billing period. This means the amount you pay will change each time.
2. If you have a credit balance
Check the meter reading on your bill with the one on your meter. If the reading on your meter is lower, you may be paying for more energy than you're using.
Give us a meter reading and we'll update your bill. You can do this online or through your online energy account, where you can also set up regular email reminders. If you don't already have an online account, it's quick and easy to register – just have a bill to hand.
Find out about business energy credits and refunds.
3. Is a variable Direct Debit right for you?
If your meter readings are accurate, but your bills are high, you could change to a fixed Direct Debit. We'll calculate your annual usage plus any outstanding balance and spread the payments over 12 months. This may help you to budget. Contact us if you want to move to a fixed Direct Debit
4. If you're finding it difficult to pay
If you're finding it difficult to keep up with your monthly payments, then we may be able to help with paying your energy bills.
You can change your Direct Debit payment date and bank details in your online account. If you don't already have an online account, it's quick to register – just have a bill to hand.
To change the amount or switch between a fixed or variable Direct Debit please contact us.
If you pay for your business energy by fixed Direct Debit, you can change the date you pay by selecting 'Manage your Direct Debit' in your online account. Choose any date between the 1st and 28th of each month.
You can change your bank details by selecting 'Manage your Direct Debit' in your online account.
You can switch your Direct Debit type from fixed to variable and vice versa. Simply log in to your online account and select ‘Manage your Direct Debit’.
You can cancel your Direct Debit or pay a different way by contacting us. But remember, you'll lose any Direct Debit discount and you may pay a higher rate.
You can also cancel through your bank or building society as outlined in the Direct Debit Guarantee.
If you cancel your Direct Debit, any remaining balance will be due for immediate payment. The easiest way to make a payment is online by credit or debit card. A late payment charge may be applied if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill.
Submit a final meter reading within five days of the supply end date and we'll send you an accurate final balance. We'll need your account number, which you can find on your bill.
Don't cancel your Direct Debit until we've taken final payment between 10 and 14 working days after the supply end date.
If you're in credit we'll arrange a refund into your bank account. If you don't receive this please contact us.
If you've already cancelled your Direct Debit you can make a final payment using your debit or credit card online. It's quick and secure.
If your Direct Debit was not collected when you expected, or you think the amount is wrong, contact us and we'll investigate this for you. You'll need a copy bill to hand.
* We may record calls to help improve our service to you. Calls to 0800 numbers are free from mobiles and landlines. Calls to 0330 / 0333 numbers will cost you no more than 01 or 02 numbers from landlines and mobiles and may be included with your call package if you get 'inclusive minutes'. Text messages are charged at your standard message rate and may be included in your call package.
