Bulb described as “scandalous” and “inappropriate” by Martin Lewis for direct debit requests
Martin Lewis called an energy brand “outrageous” for its direct debit demands amid the current energy crisis.
The energy company has come under fire after the money-saving expert began receiving calls from viewers on This Morning as he tried to help customers trapped by energy companies going bankrupt and raising prices .
However, it didn’t take long for Martin to be visibly upset after a Bulb client claimed the company emailed her and her partner with a warning of a 60% increase. automatic debits from November 1.
This despite the couple having over £ 100 in credit with the company for the winter months.
The caller, Zoe, went on to explain that she spoke to two reps and managed to get them to “decrease the amount slightly” – but only if she maintained a credit of over £ 100 as a result. She also claims she had to make a top-up payment to meet the terms of her new contract – something Martin was not happy to hear.
He said: “I have to be very careful what I say. But let me say this is not the first time that I have heard of a similar case with Bulb.
“Raising personal debits by 60% while your prices go up by around 10 or 12% for someone with credit seems totally inappropriate.
“The terms and conditions of the licensed energy company state that you are entitled to a fair direct debit.”
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Martin went on to explain that the direct debit process works with customers who are expected to be credited next winter, but more than likely in debt at the end of the season.
He later added: “If you have substantial credit increasing it by 60% seems disproportionate, it seems unfair, I would like a formal justification – the argument that you should still have £ 100 in credit seems outrageous to me.
“The whole point of the offtake cycle is that you don’t always have to be a creditor – I would make a formal complaint, ask them to justify the increase in the offtake and then take them to the energy ombudsman. .
“We know Bulb is one of those companies looking at their financial options and what they can do.”
After reaching out to Bulb in the wake of Martin’s segment on ITV’s This Morning, a spokesperson told Hull Live: “Every year as winter approaches, we reach out to our members to give them an update. update their account and make sure it’s healthy, as people tend to use more energy during the colder months.
“We are doing it as usual this year and will be working with our members to make sure their payments are right for them.”
In response to the company’s financial stability, a statement on their website read: “We want to be clear that Bulb members don’t have to worry about their energy supply – this is a period. extraordinary for the energy sector and we ‘I will try to keep members in the loop. “
In an additional statement to Hull Live, Bulb said, “From time to time, we explore various opportunities to fund our business plans and continue our mission of reducing bills and CO2 emissions.
“Like everyone in the industry, we monitor wholesale prices and their impact on our business.”