According to the energy regulator Ofgem, UK households are sitting on a hidden cash windfall of over £3 billion, with each household averaging £212 in credit with their energy suppliers. This figure represents an increase from £206 the previous year. Energy expert Ben Gallizzi from Uswitch noted that more than half of UK households are emerging from winter with credit balances in their accounts. He advises that while it is prudent to keep about two months’ worth of payments in credit, households with excess credit should consider leaving some with their suppliers to mitigate rising energy costs expected later in the year. Each energy supplier has different policies regarding refunds. For instance, British Gas reduces Direct Debits for customers in credit at the end of their plan year, while EDF may suggest refunds during account reviews. OVO allows refunds for customers with more than one month’s credit, contingent on recent meter readings, and Octopus permits refunds anytime with specific conditions regarding billing and meter readings.