How to Avoid Being Overcharged by Your Energy Supplier

Energy companies are continually changing their pricing structures and tariffs to offer competitive deals. However, many people are still being overcharged for their energy. In some cases, this can be the result of a mistake or error made by the energy company. You may also be hit with hidden charges or extra fees that you were not expecting. Following a few simple rules can prevent being overcharged by your energy supplier.

Read your meter regularly

Taking accurate meter readings on a regular basis is an important part of monitoring your energy charges. This is especially true if your supplier increases the cost of your energy. Read your meter on the day the energy prices are set to rise, as this prevents being charged the new higher price for energy used before the price increase. Submit your reading to your energy company and ask them to make the necessary adjustments. Keep a record of your meter readings, along with times and dates, so that you have a point of reference in the event of any dispute.

Avoid estimated bills

Estimated bills are sent out by your energy supplier when they don't have an up to date meter reading for your property. If your energy company consistently underestimates the amount of energy you are using, you could have an unpleasant shock when they finally read your meter and send an updated bill. More importantly, any price rises that have occurred since your last estimated bill will be added to the whole of your bill, as there is no way for the energy company to tell when the energy was used.

This can prove costly, especially if you have received several estimated bills in a row. Providing regular meter readings and correcting any estimates made by your energy company can prevent this problem.

Dispute unexpected charges

If you find unexpected charges added to your bill, ask your energy supplier for a detailed explanation of these charges. Read your original contract (if you no longer have this, you can request a copy from your supplier) to see if there is any mention of these charges. If you are still unhappy with the charges, you can dispute their addition in writing.

Some energy companies also charge exit fees if you switch suppliers before the end of your contract period, but you can dispute these if your energy supplier has raised their energy prices since your contract began. It never hurts to dispute a charge or fee, and it could save you some money.

Complain to the energy ombudsman

If you feel that you have been overcharged, hit with unfair price rises or made to pay fees and charges that were unexpected, you can write to the energy ombudsman. In the first instance, you should write to your energy supplier to try to resolve the situation. If, however, you are unhappy with the response, you can write to the energy ombudsman. The energy ombudsman has the power to reverse decisions made by your energy supplier, remove charges from your bill and, in some cases, even award compensation.

Switch suppliers

The quickest and simplest way to solve problems with your energy supplier is often to switch suppliers. If your current energy supplier is adding unexpected charges to your bill, you can always find a new supplier.

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