Energy customers hit by billing error that affects payments - what you need to know - The Mirror

The issue affects a “small number” of Bulb customers who were meant to have a direct debit taken by the energy provider on June 1. Here's what you need to know

Bulb customers have been hit by an billing error that means some direct debit payments will be taken later than usual.

The issue affects a “small number” of households who were meant to have a direct debit taken by the energy provider on June 1.

These customers will instead have their payments taken on a later date in June.

Bulb, who has around one million customers, has been emailing everyone who is affected with details of the date when their money will be taken.

You won't need to do anything, as the money should be taken automatically.

Have you received an email from Bulb saying your payment is being taken at a later date? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk

The energy firm blamed the fault on a "technical outage" with its direct debit provider, according to MoneySavingExpert.

An email sent to some households reads: “We usually take your energy payments on the 1st of the month.

“Unfortunately, a technical hitch has caused a delay this time.”

It continued: “Sorry for the extra hassle. We’ll be back to normal for next month.”

If you’ve been affected by the issue, you’ll need to make sure you have enough money in your account to cover the later payment.

Or if you manually paid your bill after your direct debit failed, Bulb said you shouldn’t have another payment taken this month.

If another payment does mistakenly go out though, meaning you've paid the same bill twice, contact Bulb.

A spokesperson for Bulb said: "Due to this outage a small number of DD payments for 1st June weren’t taken.

“We’ve already begun communicating this to affected members, explaining that their payments will be taken in the coming days, giving them appropriate notice of the payments.

“No other payments were impacted that day and members don’t need to take any action."

Bulb was put into "special administration" in November 2021 after admitting that it could no longer afford to keep afloat.

This process meant the firm was propped up by taxpayer cash, so it can continue to operate as a business and provide energy to its customers.

Bulb has recently reopened its energy hardship fund for customers who are struggling.

The exact help available depends on your individual circumstances, but can include a £140 grant that you don't have to repay.

You may also be able to get up to £2,000 worth of debt written off.

Other support that could be offered to you includes help buying energy efficient appliances, such as fridges and washing machines.

The help from Bulb is offered in conjunction with Citizens Advice. You can access the Bulb fund online.