If you’ve moved home in the last few years, your old energy supplier might still owe you money.
New data from Ofgem reveals that £240 million in unused credit is sitting in 1.9 million closed energy accounts across the UK. That’s money paid by customers — often through direct debits — that should have been refunded when their accounts were closed.
How does this happen?
When you close an energy account, usually because you’ve switched supplier or moved home, your provider issues a final bill and refund. Under Ofgem’s rules, this should happen within six weeks, with any refund paid within 10 working days.
But if you’ve changed address, switched banks, or cancelled a direct debit before that final bill was settled, the supplier may have no way of reaching you. Those unclaimed balances then sit in limbo.
It’s not just a handful of people either. Ofgem says almost two million accounts still hold unused credit, in some cases, £100 or more per household.
How to check if you’re owed a refund
Ofgem and Energy UK are urging anyone who’s moved home in the last five years (or so) to contact their old supplier and check whether there’s money waiting to be returned.
Here’s what to do:
- Find your old supplier’s name. Check previous bills, emails, or bank statements for payment details.
- Get in touch directly. Most suppliers allow you to enquire online, via webchat or customer service teams.
- Provide key details. Share your full name, previous address, account number (if known), and the dates you switched or moved.
- Keep your direct debit active until your final bill is settled to prevent money being left behind.
Most suppliers allow you to make an enquiry online, via webchat, or over the phone. If you still have access to your old online energy account, log in, even if it’s marked as “closed”. You might be able to see if a credit remains.
Why it’s worth checking
With household costs still high, every penny counts. According to Energy UK, more than 90% of balances are refunded automatically, but that still leaves a significant number of people missing out.
It’s not just homeowners either. Renters who paid utilities directly can also reclaim credit — even if they’ve since moved several times. So, if you’ve been the named account holder on any property in the last five years, it’s worth checking.
Even a small refund can make a difference. Some people will only be owed a few pounds, but others could be entitled to £100 or more, enough to offset part of a winter bill.
Don’t leave money on the table
As Ofgem’s Director General for Retail put it, “Moving house requires a lot of life admin – and it’s understandable that some things will be missed.” But with almost two million closed accounts still in credit, a quick call could be all it takes to get your money back.
The regulator and energy firms are working together to get the message out.
If you’ve switched supplier, moved home, or closed an energy account in the past five years, don’t assume the books are balanced. It takes just a few minutes to call or email your former provider, and you might discover a welcome surprise waiting to be refunded.
