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Emergency

Estimated meter reading: correcting a false energy billing

If the meter reading is not read, the supplier estimates it, often to your disadvantage. An estimate is only permitted as an exception and must be based on the previous consumption. With the actual meter reading you can easily correct an excessive billing.

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Your chances of getting your money back

If the meter could not be read, the supplier may estimate the consumption, but properly, based on the previous consumption and comparable periods, not arbitrarily inflated.
If you communicate the actual meter reading, the billing must be corrected on this basis. A billing estimated too high you do not have to accept.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Recognize the estimate

    Check the billing: is the consumption 'estimated' and unrealistically high?

  2. 2

    2. Read the meter

    Read your current meter reading and photograph it with the date.

  3. 3

    3. Demand a correction

    Communicate the real meter reading to the supplier and demand a corrected billing.

  4. 4

    4. Get back what was overpaid

    If the correction results in credit, demand the payout or offsetting.

How to spot the scam

  • The estimated consumption is clearly above your usual consumption.
  • A reading was possible but was not carried out.
  • Despite the communicated meter reading, the estimate remains in place.

Frequently asked questions

May the supplier estimate the consumption?

Only if no reading was possible, and only properly, based on the previous consumption and comparable periods. An arbitrarily inflated estimate is impermissible and can be disputed.

How do I correct an estimated billing?

Read your actual meter reading, document it (photo with the date) and communicate it to the supplier. On this basis the billing must be corrected. If credit results, you can demand the payout.

Do I have to pay an overly high additional payment immediately?

If it is based on an inflated estimate, you should first dispute the billing and submit the real meter reading. Disputed amounts you do not have to pay unconditionally; pay the undisputed part and clarify the rest.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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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.