How do you dispute an electricity or water bill?
If the bill is far above what you expected, check the meter and the period first, then object in writing. If you miss the objection deadline, you lose your right too.
A high bill doesn't always mean there's a mistake: the period may have been longer, an estimated reading may have been used, or the tariff may have changed. That's why there are three checks before objecting: the reading date range, the difference between readings, and the tariff.
The objection has to be made in writing and submitted within the deadline. Because a verbal complaint isn't put on record, it usually gets no result. While the objection is being handled, keep track of the payment due date as well.
- Time1 hour
- DifficultyMedium
- Steps7
๐งฐ What you need
- The bill (the latest and previous periods)
- Subscriber/installation number
- A photo of the meter
Steps
- Read the meter and compare it with the billTake a photo of the current reading on the meter. Compare it with the 'first reading โ last reading' values on the bill. The difference between them is your consumption.
- Look at the length of the periodCheck how many days the bill covers. A 45-day period instead of 30 days naturally pushes the bill up.
- Check whether there's an estimated readingIf the bill says 'estimated', the meter may not have been read. In that case you can report the actual reading and ask for a correction.
- Object in writing to the distribution/retail companyWrite your objection together with your subscriber number through the company's official channel (web application form, call center record, petition). Be sure to get an application number.๐ก If you called the call center, note down the call record number; it comes in handy in the later steps.
- Request a meter check/calibrationIf you think the meter is measuring incorrectly, you can request a meter check (inspection). Whether there's a fee depends on the outcome of your request.
- If you get no result, take it to a higher authorityIf no positive answer comes from the company, you can apply to the consumer arbitration committee; for complaints concerning the energy market, there's also a way to apply to the regulatory authority.๐ก Attach the bills, the meter photos and your correspondence with the company to the application.
- Manage the payment and disconnection riskWhile the objection is ongoing, keep track of the payment due date. Delaying payment can have consequences such as late payment interest and disconnection; if your objection is accepted, the difference is refunded.
โ This guide is general information. Yudum cannot be held responsible for the outcome of following it; for official procedures always rely on the institution's own statement. Steps and fees change over time.
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