Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Millions of Brits could be unknowingly sitting on a hidden treasure trove, not in their bank accounts, but with their energy suppliers. Fresh research by Uswitch has revealed that approximately 15 million households are in credit, with an astonishing £3 billion collectively held by energy companies. This equates to nearly £200 per household on average - just lying dormant. Despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, only three out of ten households plan to request a refund. Some families are due hundreds. One in ten have over £300 in credit, and 4% have more than £500. This is significant money that could be used towards food, rent, or everyday bills. Although the figure is substantial, balances are now £315 million lower than this time last year, partly due to reduced bills as prices fall from the heights of the energy crisis. Ideally, households should have around two months' worth of payments in credit - but many are exceeding this without realising it. Location Average Energy Credit Proportion in Credit UK average £198 54% Edinburgh £224 42% Nottingham £222 57% Manchester £218 52% Southampton £217 52% Birmingham £216 52% Newcastle £212 57% Norwich £207 49% Brighton £206 53% Leeds £204 57% Glasgow £203 51% Liverpool £197 60% London £189 66% Sheffield £175 56% Bristol £174 43% Cardiff £155 54% Plymouth £130 61% Belfast £127 64% While some are in credit, others are struggling to keep up. Nearly four million homes owe £717 million, with average debts at £185 per household. Edinburgh leads the way as the UK's energy credit capital, with locals having £224 tucked away with their suppliers. Belfast trails behind with just £127. Uswitch is encouraging households to check their account balances and reclaim anything that's significantly above their usual payments. Energy expert Elise Melville has advised: "More than half of UK households are coming out of winter with credit in their energy accounts. If you've got a big balance, it's worth asking for a refund or checking that your direct debit is still accurate." Furthermore, customers who have requested a refund tend to receive it promptly. Statistics show that nine out of ten people who asked for a refund from their energy provider received it within four weeks. Uswitch further recommends taking regular meter readings (for those without smart meters) to prevent overpayment and advises that any surplus funds should be reclaimed. Uswitch advises it is a good time to take stock. Full details of how you can check on your accounts can be found on the uswitch site.