Energy suppliers inadvertently take payments early on Christmas Eve

Eon said the payments had been taken "due to an IT issue", and vowed to refund the money taken on December 29.

In a statement released on the energy supplier website, Eon said: "Due to an IT issue, we’ve inadvertently taken Direct Debit payments early from some of our customers.

"We’re sorry for this error and are taking steps to contact affected customers where we can, as well as putting information about the issue on our website and social media channels.

"You do not need to do anything or contact us, and we ask that you bear with us while we work to refund you on the first available date, which is 29 December.

"Your Direct Debit payments will then be taken in line with your usual payment schedule."

However, some Yorkshire residents took to social media to complain they had been left without money to buy Christmas food shop.

One said: "I pay first of the month by direct debit and they have taken mine.

"There are people that have scrimped and saved to do the Xmas food shop today and now can’t as Eon have put them overdrawn."

Eon apologised for the error on their website.

The company published the following FAQ for customers affected:

When will I get my money back?

This payment will automatically be returned to your bank account on the first available date, which is 29 December. If you’re not able to wait for our refund, then please contact your bank directly to see how they can support you.

When will you take my next payment?

We’ll take your next payment in line with your usual payment schedule; however this may be later than expected. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this causes.

What do I do if I have no money now?

If you’re not able to wait for our refund, then please contact your bank directly to see how they can support you. We’re sorry for the inconvenience.

I’ve incurred additional charges as you took my payment early – what will you do about this?

If you have incurred additional charges as a result of this issue, we’ll reimburse this money to you. To discuss any additional charges, please get in touch by searching eonenergy.com/contact.

What if my bank refund the payment and you send me a refund as well?

Our priority is making sure that we send back any payments that were taken early. We’ll work through any instances where customers have had a refund through their bank and a refund from us once all impacted customers have had their initial payment back.