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Brits owed £1billion as greedy energy firms charge families £120 EACH for energy they haven’t used

More than 11million households should reclaim excess payment  from their suppliers, according to comparison site uSwitch.com

FAMILIES are owed more than £1billion for “unused energy” already   paid for, experts claim.

More than 11million households should reclaim excess payment  from their suppliers, according to comparison site uSwitch.com.

Families are owed more than £1billion for 'unused energy' already paid for, experts claim
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Families are owed more than £1billion for 'unused energy' already paid for, experts claimCredit: Getty Images

It calculated that 42 per cent are  in credit after energy firms overestimated their usage.   The  average amount owed is reckoned to be just under £120.

That works out at around  £1.3billion for the country.

Many energy firms only refund credit balances once a year but Ofgem rules state customers can request repayment at any time.

Many energy firms only refund credit balances once a year but Ofgem rules state customers can request repayment at any time
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Many energy firms only refund credit balances once a year but Ofgem rules state customers can request repayment at any timeCredit: Getty Images

Despite this, 38 per cent say they would rather keep their account “topped up” to cover any future price hikes.

The comparison site also revealed just under 4million households are believed to  be unaware they are in debt to their supplier and  face a hefty bill when readings are taken.

They are urging customers  to submit  readings and then reclaim cash  or pay  debts before prices go up. Its energy expert Claire Osborne said: “Today’s research shows the importance of providing regular meter readings, otherwise energy bills can quickly become inaccurate, tipping people into credit or debt.

“Consumers who are building up credit to soften the blow of price hikes should instead consider reclaiming this money and switching to a cheaper deal.”

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