What do I do if I think my energy bill is wrong?

What do I do if I think my energy bill is wrong?

If there’s a big difference, your supplier might have billed you for someone else’s meter – or you might have given them an inaccurate reading. Contact your supplier and give them the new reading – you should ask them to: send a new bill based on the new meter reading. check you’ve been billed for the right meter.

Can smart meters be inaccurate?

Smart meters should mean more accurate bills because they should send readings directly to your supplier – meaning no more estimated bills. But they are still machines and inevitably can – and may very well – go wrong. Only time will tell if they will be more accurate at providing meter readings.

What does back billing mean?

A back charge is a billing made to collect an expense incurred in a previous billing period. It can be due to lack of payment by the recipient of services or goods, an adjustment due to an error, or to collect an expense that was not billable until a later period due to timing issues.

How long can an energy supplier chase you for debt?

Under Ofgem rules, an energy supplier can’t chase debts which are more than a year old if it was at fault. However administrators can chase debts which are up to six years old, meaning consumers could suddenly be stung with bills dating from several years before.

Where can I complain about my energy supplier?

Energy Ombudsman complaints form or call 0330 440 1624. Network operator and Ofgem Confidence Code comparison site complaints: Email Ofgem or call 020 7901 7295.

Can I swap energy suppliers if I owe money?

If you’ve owed the money to your supplier for more than 28 days, you can’t switch supplier until you’ve paid the money back. You can’t be stopped from switching if it’s your supplier’s fault that you’re in debt – for example because they’ve estimated your bill wrong.

Do smart meters raise your bill?

There is no up-front cost for a smart meter – instead the price of the whole smart meter programme is absorbed into everyone’s energy bills. The real-time display should theoretically even lead to cost savings, as research suggests that people who monitor their energy consumption use less.

How long can a company back bill you?

Under California law, a company may be able to go back and collect even if they didn’t bill you — however, the law limits that to four years.

Who can I report my energy supplier to?

Complain to Ofgem if you can’t resolve an issue with a network operator or a comparison website accredited by the Ofgem Confidence Code. Energy Ombudsman complaints form or call 0330 440 1624. Network operator and Ofgem Confidence Code comparison site complaints: Email Ofgem or call 020 7901 7295.

Is there a free phone number for Ofgem?

You are in the section Citizens Advice also provides a free, impartial helpline service across a range of issues on 0808 223 1133.

Can an energy supplier stop you switching?

You can’t be stopped from switching if it’s your supplier’s fault that you’re in debt – for example because they’ve estimated your bill wrong. If you do owe them money you’ll still need to pay this when you get your old supplier’s final bill.

Can my energy supplier force me to have a smart meter?

In short, no. Energy companies must take “all reasonable steps” to install smart meters in their customers’ homes, and while the Government and regulators believe they are a good idea for consumers, they are on record as stating that there is no obligation to have one installed.

What happens if I don’t want a smart meter?

You don’t have to accept a smart meter if you don’t want one. If you refuse a smart meter, you might find it hard to access all tariffs. This is because in future the cheaper tariffs offered by suppliers might only be available to customers with smart meters.