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Energy suppliers could owe as much as £1.1 billion to customers due to overspending by 12 million UK households on energy bills, according to Uswitch.com.
The price comparison site said energy retailers could owe 46 per cent UK households could be an average of £93 each as a result of them overpaying. More than ten percent of homes could be owed as much as £200 by energy suppliers.
If these customers request it, the suppliers will have to refund the credit on any account to the customer.
Uswitch.com also revealed that the energy suppliers are collectively owed £507 million from 4 million UK households.
However at the same time four million UK households, 15 percent, also collectively owe energy suppliers £507 million. This comes after the number of energy customers reported to be in debt to their supplier increased by 260,000 from last year.
Uswitch.com director of consumer policy Ann Robinson said the figures highlighted the importance of suppliers being given regular meter readings.
She said: “Energy bills are often based on estimates rather than actual usage, so can be way off the mark.”
Energy UK chief executive Lawrence Slade said suppliers will sort out any inaccurate bills stemming from estimated bills over the phone and encouraged consumers to provide their supplier with accurate meter readings.
He added: “Smart meters will put an end to inaccurate bills and will make providing meter readings a thing of the past.”
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