Is your energy bill completely correct? And how do you dispute an overpayment? | MyGuide

For many consumers, the energy bill remains a complicated tangle of different cost items. During the first nine months of 2023, the federal ombudsman received no fewer than 1,210 complaints regarding a lack of transparency in the field of contracts, prices and discounts. However, you may be able to identify some signals yourself that indicate incorrect invoicing. We will help you get started in a handful of steps below.

Did you conclude a permanent energy contract last year? Then it can now be up to 800 euros cheaper.

Is your bill completely out of line with previous years, without your consumption increasing significantly? Then there may be something wrong. Especially now that the energy crisis is (gradually) behind us, your bill amount should not increase spectacularly for the same consumption.

Your annual invoice is settled based on the meter readings. With an analogue meter with a reversing counter, you enter this yourself, while with a digital meter this happens automatically. It is advisable to check whether the consumption on your invoice corresponds with your findings. To avoid discussions afterwards, you can also take a photo of your meter reading.

Do you still have an analog energy meter? That’s how often you have to record your scores (and that’s why you can do it more often).

Your energy contract states the fixed fee and the kilowatt-hour rate. With a fixed rate you can easily verify whether everything is correct. In the case of a variable rate, the rate card only shows the price of a month or quarter. For the final annual invoice, the energy supplier bases itself on the weighted average of the monthly or quarterly prices, according to standard consumption profiles. Figuring out that calculation seems almost impossible. If in doubt, consult your energy supplier first.

Most energy suppliers today offer welcome discounts for new customers. At the end of the contract year, please check again whether your discount has been deducted.

Are you considering a switch? You can enjoy these welcome discounts now.

With such a switch, a final invoice will follow from your ‘old’ supplier. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to take a closer look. In the event of a move, the previous and new owners jointly complete an energy takeover document with the meter readings. It is best to check that again afterwards.

You should first raise any problems or disputes with your energy supplier or grid operator. This can be done by letter, but also by e-mail. Some players post their own complaints form on their website. Your supplier must then provide you with a detailed document free of charge with all the information about your invoice, and must then answer your questions and complaints.

As long as your objection is being processed – and of course also if your complaint turned out to be justified – you do not have to pay the outstanding or disputed amount. An explanation often provides the necessary clarity or an amicable settlement is sufficient. If you cannot reach an agreement, you can contact the Energy Ombudsman.

Anyone can file an objection up to one year after receiving the invoice. Energy suppliers, in turn, also have a period of one year to correct incorrect invoicing. The distribution system operator even has two years.

Ensure yourself of the best energy contract for your situation: you can take the test quickly and easily via the comparator below.

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This article was brought to you by our partner Mijnenergie.be.
Mijnenergie.be is an independent energy price comparator of electricity and gas offers.

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