Ofgem and energy suppliers are urging consumers to check whether they are owed part of £240m in unclaimed energy credit balances left in closed accounts.
The regulator revealed that 1.9m accounts remain in credit, often due to customers moving home without updating contact details.
Consumers who have moved in the last five years are being encouraged to contact their former suppliers or log into old online accounts to check if they are owed a refund.
While many may only be due small amounts, others could reclaim over £100.
“Moving house requires a lot of life admin – and it’s understandable that some things will be missed. But with almost 2 million closed accounts currently in credit, the message is clear – if you’ve moved in the last 5 years, reach out to your old supplier, provide them with the correct information, and you could be due a refund,” said Tim Jarvis, Director General for Retail at Ofgem.
Suppliers are required to issue a final bill within six weeks and refund within ten working days, but these processes are delayed when customers’ contact details are missing.
More than 90% of closed account balances are returned automatically, yet millions of pounds remain unclaimed.
Ed Rees, Energy UK’s Head of Retail Policy, said: “We know that energy bills remain a challenge for many households and suppliers are working hard to support customers, including making sure any credit on closed accounts is quickly returned. It’s always important to keep your contact details up to date.”
Consumers are advised to provide their full name, previous address, account number if known, and contact details when reaching out to old suppliers.
Ofgem’s campaign highlights that reclaiming these funds not only helps customers during the cost-of-living crisis but also prevents waste across the energy system.
