61% of homeowners have overpaid their energy bills by an average of £95, and so are in credit, according to a survey by Gocompare.com. Their energy spokesman Tom Wilson, says: ‘Energy companies calculate direct debit bills following an estimate of annual energy consumption. While a small overpayment at the end of the summer can be useful to offset higher winter energy usage, if the estimate has been set too high, a surplus can build up. If accounts are found to be £5 in credit at the review date, many energy companies give customers an automatic refund – provided the calculations are based on an actual meter reading.’