Should I stop paying my energy bill while I dispute it?

Great Britain · Rules checked 24 October 2026 · Not legal advice

Usually, no. The Energy Ombudsman advises against cancelling Direct Debits or refusing to pay bills while a dispute is investigated, to avoid further problems such as a default on your credit file.

A safer approach

• Keep paying for what you're using now.
• Pay the part you agree with. For a back-bill, that's usually the last 12 months.
• Ask in writing for collection of the disputed part to be paused, and for nothing to be reported to credit reference agencies about it while the complaint is open.
• If you can't afford the undisputed part, ask for an affordable plan.

Changing your Direct Debit

Rather than cancelling, ask the supplier to review it based on current readings (SLC 27.15). See Direct Debit too high.