Checking a gas or electricity bill: how to find errors
The annual statement from your energy supplier shows a high back-payment? Before you pay, a close look is worthwhile: wrong meter readings, unaccounted advance payments, or calculation errors are common.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Dispute the bill →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
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1. Reconcile the meter readings
Compare the billed closing meter reading with your actual meter reading. You can have estimated values replaced with the real one.
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2. Check advance payments and the period
Are all advance payments accounted for? Is the billing period correct (max. 12 months)?
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3. Put consumption in context
Compare your consumption with the previous year. A sudden, unexplained jump can point to an error or a defect in the meter.
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4. Dispute or arrange installments
Dispute errors in writing. If the back-payment is correct but high, ask for installments.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to accept an estimated bill?
No. If the bill is based on an estimated meter reading, you can report your actual reading and demand a corrected bill. Estimating is only allowed when the real reading is not available.
By when must the supplier issue the bill?
The bill must be issued no later than within six weeks after the end of the billing period (usually 12 months). You can dispute late or faulty bills.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.