Skip to content
Emergency

Energy credit not being paid out

If your electricity or gas statement shows a credit because your installments were higher than your consumption, you are entitled to a payout. Some providers pay late or not at all. You can enforce the refund with clear steps.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Enforce your claim →

Your chances of getting your money back

A credit shown in the statement is a due claim against the provider. It must be refunded or offset within a reasonable period; if the provider falls into default, you can demand interest and costs.
When switching providers or at the end of the contract, the credit must be paid out rather than merely credited. If payment fails to appear, you can demand it by setting a deadline and pursue it further.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the statement

    Review the credit shown and your consumption.

  2. 2

    2. Demand the payout

    Ask the provider in writing to pay out and set a deadline.

  3. 3

    3. Use default

    After the deadline passes, you can claim default interest and costs.

  4. 4

    4. Enforce

    If payment still fails to appear, pursue the claim further, for example through dunning proceedings.

How to spot the scam

  • The credit is only booked, not paid out.
  • The refund is delayed for months.
  • The provider is insolvent or cannot be reached.

Frequently asked questions

Does the provider have to pay out my credit?

Yes. A credit shown in the annual statement is a due claim that must be refunded or offset within a reasonable period. When switching or ending the contract, it must be paid out. If the provider does not pay on time, it falls into default.

How do I enforce the payout?

Ask the provider in writing to pay out, set a deadline, and refer to the statement. After the deadline passes, you can demand default interest and costs. If the provider does not respond, you can pursue the claim further, for example through court dunning proceedings.

What if the provider is insolvent?

In the event of insolvency you usually have to register your claim in the insolvency schedule; a full payout is then not certain. Document your credit and respond promptly to notices from the insolvency administrator to protect your claims.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

Enforce your claimCheck a suspicious message
More help: Emergency by phone · Act together · Right to a lawyer · All guides

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.