Inaccurate gas and electricity bills

There has been a steadily increase over the last few years of customers experiencing billing problems with their gas and electricity suppliers. The number has increased and is now a serious problem. In February 2005 64% of all domestic complaints to energywatch (the independent watchdog for the gas and electricity industry) where account and billing related.

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The complains received by energywatch included:

• inaccurate bills
• bills never arriving on time
• bills based on estimations rather than meter readings
• bills being unclear and difficult to understand

The problems with inaccurate bills

Its possible that customers run up large debts if they received inaccurate bills. The customer places their trust in the gas or electricity supplier, and assumes that the issued bill is accurate and payable. Customers often suffer when the supplier realises their mistake. The energy supplier often asks for immediate payment. This can often be difficult for customers to pay.

If ever you receive an inaccurate bill or have a complaint with your gas or electricity supplier that is not resolved to your satisfaction, get in touch with energywatch. Energywatch will investigate the complaint on your behalf. If you are dissatisfied with your gas or electricity supplier exercise your right to change energy supplier. You can do this freely and easily by using our independent energy supplier comparison service.

Switching supplier is easy with our free service. The service will search all of the major suppliers in your area to find the best priced deal for you.

Preventing inaccurate bills

We have some tips to help you avoid inaccurate gas and electricity energy bills:

1. Check if your bill is based on an estimated meter reading. If it is, read your meter and give the reading to your supplier if it is different.
2. If you have not received a bill for over six months, ask your supplier to issue one. You will have to pay for the energy that you have used.
3. If you are unclear about your bill ask your supplier to explain it to you.
4. If your supplier makes a mistake and you face a large catch-up bill, ask for the total sum to be reduced.
5. Always keep a record of your contact with your supplier
6. Also ask for time to pay it off gradually. For example, if you have not been billed for six months, ask for six months to pay off the agreed balance. Your supplier must take into account your ability to pay.
7. Your supplier is obliged to inspect your meter every two years, for safety reasons.
8. If you are unhappy with the response your supplier provides to a billing problem, or any other energy issue, contact energywatch on 08459 060708.