Some energy providers are still breaking the rules for back-billing. Are you being overcharged?

Despite Ofgem’s 2018 ban on back-billing for energy used more than 12 months ago, some energy providers are STILL overcharging their customers via banned ‘catch-up’ bills.

What is back-billing?

Back-billing or ‘catch-up’ billing happens when a provider can’t get proper readings. Instead, they give you estimated readings and, if they realise the estimate readings are too low, you retrospectively to make up the difference.

Ofgem’s ban started in November 2018 for the smallest businesses and stops energy firms from sending out ‘catch-up’ bills for energy used more than 12 months ago.

It’s still a huge area of complaint, though.

The Energy Ombudsman has resolved 2,539 complaints about back-billing in 2019, the first full year in which the ban applied.

How to avoid back-billing.

Never underestimate how important it is to read your meter.

Reading your energy meter and sending meter readings to your energy provider stops them from sending you estimated bills.

Estimated bills are really easy to avoid and can end up getting you overcharged.

The best way to avoid high bills is by checking to see if you’re getting estimated bills. Have a look at the bill itself – if you spot the word “estimated”, your bill could be too high.

Estimated bills shouldn’t be a problem with smart meters. If you’ve got a traditional meter, though, it’s always worth checking!