Energy firms ‘increasing direct debits disproportionately to price cap rise’ Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis warned about ‘worrying issues’ over firms raising direct debits beyond April’s 54% increase. Ofgem warns of £2.4bn fallout from energy firm collapsesHouseholds could end up funding payments to suppliers that took on customers of failed rivals, MPs told Failure of energy suppliers will add £2.4bn to bills – OfgemMore than 30 energy suppliers have gone out of business since the start of last year. Energy companies 'playing fast and loose' as they double direct debits, Martin Lewis tells MPsA select committee was told that suppliers have been increasing monthly payment demands out of proportion with the rise in tariffs as they seek to boost their cash flows at the expense of customers. Martin Lewis calls for crackdown on energy firms 'doubling' direct debitsOfgem is due to increase its price cap by 54% in April and it could go up again in October. Ofgem may be busy, but it must address Martin Lewis’s points | Nils PratleyIf the consumer champion is right, it seems many of the energy companies are trying it on Energy firms using sharp practices to boost cashflow, says Martin LewisConsumer champion describes fuel prices as ‘almost a poll tax’ and warns households face a ‘fiscal punch in the face’ in April