Jack Monroe explains how to pay energy companies what you can afford if they won’t let you change your direct debit

Anti-poverty campaigner Jack Monroe has advised those struggling to change their direct debit with their energy company to a standing order. In a Twitter thread, the writer and activist suggested that those struggling to pay their energy supplier should set up a standing order for an amount they can afford instead.

The 34-year-old campaigner’s tweets come as the average UK household could see energy bill costs increase to over £4,000 this winter. Some people have said that they will be unable to afford the price increase or that they are already paying £355 or more for their energy bills.

Over 100,000 people have also signed up for the ‘Don’t Pay’ campaign, which began in June to protest against the rocketing energy prices. According to Don’t Pay UK’s Twitter account, “It’s a simple idea: We demand the Government scrap the energy price rises and deliver affordable energy for all. We will build a million pledges and by October 1 if the Government and energy companies fail to act we will cancel our direct debits.”

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The website goes into more detail, saying: “Even if a fraction of those of us who are paying by direct debit stop our payments, it will be enough to put energy companies in serious trouble, and they know this. We want to bring them to the table and force them to end this crisis.”

However experts, including Jack, have advised against taking part in the campaign as it could have dire consequences for your credit score. In the Twitter thread, Monroe wrote: “Just popping in on the energy price cap news to say that if your energy company won’t let you change your direct debit, you can cancel it. Note down the banking details and reference number and set up a standing order for the amount you ACTUALLY use/can afford instead.”

The thread continued: “They won’t like it, but tough shit, they won’t be able to change the amount on a standing order like they can on direct debit. It puts YOU back in control. If they use threatening/bullying tactics to try to intimidate you into changing it back or paying more, make a complaint to the Ombudsman. For every complaint they receive, the energy co gets fined around £375. They’d have no qualms about fining you. Hit them where it hurts them.”

However, you should check the terms and conditions of your agreement with their energy company first. Monroe also advised those on a prepay meter to claim benefits and support available to them, directing them to the Fuel Bank website. The campaigner also clarified her stance on the Don’t Pay campaign in the series of tweets.

“When I was interviewed on both Lorraine and GMB recently recently and asked about the ‘Don’t Pay’ campaign, I was deliberately very cautious not to actively encourage people to withhold payment BECAUSE I’ve had my door smashed in and a forced key meter fitted myself in difficult times…

“…And my credit rating is STILL recovering from CCJs from that period, so the LAST thing I would do is to advise people to take any action that might lead to similar consequences. Berate me for things I DO say and do by all means, but this ain’t one of them.”

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