Quite so. The flexible DD makes better sense of the two.
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Just to clarify, I do pay my dual fuel energy bill monthly to British Gas via variable direct debit and so Iām not missing out on any discount. Itās just that I choose to pay monthly for the exact energy we use, not how it seems that so many people choose to do by paying vast amounts every month in the hope it covers their actual useage.
Iāll never pay via a fixed monthly amount ever again because with Smart Meters thereās no need to even go down that road as far as Iām concerned. We have no trouble budgeting on a variable D/D.
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Yep, thisāll be my first bill paid by variable DD. 
For my own budgeting, I prefer my costs to be fixed as far as possible each month (not just energy bills).
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Paying fixed is the best way. It offsets your annual usage over 12 months so no higher payment over winter 
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Thing is, if youāre on smart meters as so many of us are now, surely itās just easier to pay for what youāre using as youāre using it? I donāt want British Gas trying to work out a fixed direct debit over 12 months telling me I have to pay X amount when I can just pay the exact correct amount monthly when the bill is issued.
I guess whatever method one uses, it all works out in the end anyway. In this current energy crisis climate, one would have thought folks would want to ensure they are paying for exactly what their using month by month, not getting by on a budgeting wing and a prayer hoping that their so called āfixedā direct debit isnāt going to be increased willy nilly because their useage is more than was predicted. Again, on Smart Meters this really shouldnāt be an issue, but each to their own I guess.
Does anyone know whether you can request a pay what you use DD from Octopus?
For you.
Direct debits are never fixed. They will increase to fit consumption.supplier have never forced me to pay an amount Iāve always had control.
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Yea each to their own. When I was with British Gas last week before I switched away I paid for what I use in smart prepayment
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Yes, you can have a variable direct debit with them
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I genuinely donāt know, however, one would have thought that such a large supplier in the energy market who fit smart meters for those that want them, would offer monthly billing via variable direct debit. Iām sure I already saw a post in an earlier thread that said Octopus do offer monthly billing.
I have a work colleague who for whatever reason, chooses not to pay for his energy via Direct Debit. He told me he still hasnāt received his Ā£150 off his Council Tax that some of us got months ago because again, he wonāt pay by direct debit. My mind honestly boggles at his budgeting, but I guess he has his reasons and itās not my business to enquire.
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Righto - I wonder what would happen with my existing credit 
Iād need to get a smart meter installed - moved a month ago and itās on the do list.
He probably has to fill in an online claim form on his Councilās website or he wonāt get itā¦
Request the change to variable direct debit. They will ask you to submit meter readings to generate a bill. Any credit left will be returned to you.
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Hm - so a smart meter isnāt a prerequisite? Thank you.
Undoubtedly, though Iām curious as to why he hasnāt so far bothered.
BG sent me an email a couple of weeks back explaining in detail how the Ā£400 Government rebate will work. I showed that to my colleague too but again because he doesnāt pay his energy via direct debit, heās wondering how heās going to get that.
I guess weāll all just have to wait and see now what Truss has in store.
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Iām guessing without smart meters, youāll have to manually submit meter readings at a minimum of monthly so your bills are accurate. Iām glad I no longer have to muck about submitting meter readings. Smart meters for me, are perfect.
I used to have smart meters - my meters here are very conveniently located in a well lit place and Octopus do send a reminder email.
Itās booking the installation appointment thatās troublesome - my home working days can move and it can be a palava with calls.