On Fri, 26 Mar 2021 14:26:19 +0000, Scott
wrote:

On Fri, 26 Mar 2021 14:19:41 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote:

In article ,
Scott wrote:
On Fri, 26 Mar 2021 11:19:06 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote:

In article ,
Scott wrote:
Why a monthly direct debit? Mine produces a bill every three months
and collects the sum due by direct debit.

They are effectively giving you credit for more time than monthly. Which
is going to cost you more. I don't think any of the best deals do
quarterly.

I think the counter-argument is that you are paying the correct amount
instead of allowing the supplier to pick a higher amount then refund
you - or not - at the end of the year.

My monthly DD is based on my use the previous month. Meters are read
monthly. And I can check on my account whether there is any long term
discrepancy.

That is just as good - possibly better from the budgeting point of
view. I think the criticism is where suppliers estimate a whole year
and set an average, which is typically higher than the actual usage,
leaving a credit at the year end.

PS I have found the paperwork. It's called 'variable direct debit'. I
cannot find any any specific mention of frequency of payment but it
says '1st day of the month' so I assume it is paid monthly.