Martin Lewis was back on the small screen today, providing help through his hosting appearance on ITV’s This Morning. The Money Saving Expert heard from Julie, a woman in York, who is a Scottish Power customer paying £132 per month on her energy bills.

However, she was shocked when the provider said they would increase her direct debit to £425 per month.

After calling the provider, Julie asserted she was not allowed to reduce her payments - despite being in credit by £512.

Despite looking frustrated, Martin was quick to provide an answer to the dilemma which could be facing customers regardless of their supplier.

He said: “I called a summit with the boss of OVO with all the energy companies in July.

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ScottishPower has said anyone struggling to pay their energy bills should contact the organisation as soon as possible.

Their website adds: “We can discuss a repayment plan that suits you best and advise you of any other sources of help or debt advice available.”

A ScottishPower spokesperson told Express.co.uk: "We review customers’ direct debit levels regularly as standard to ensure payments are spread evenly and take account of expected use throughout the year.

"Direct debit reassessments undertaken once the new price cap levels are available in our billing system will take account of these to ensure we give customers as accurate an estimated calculation as possible.

"Our customers can also manage their direct debit levels directly through our Direct Debit Manager tool, which allows them –  if they choose – to increase their monthly amount to build up credit before they start using more energy over winter.”

Martin Lewis is the Founder and Chair of MoneySavingExpert.com. To join the 13 million people who get his free Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip