The First Thing We Ask For Is A Meter Reading
When a customer contacts us about an unexpectedly high bill, the first question is often whether the supplier has increased the prices. Rates may have changed, but this is not always the reason for the increase.
The first thing we normally request is a copy of the latest bill, a current meter reading and, ideally, a clear photograph showing the meter reading and meter serial number.
There is little value in comparing prices until we know whether the usage shown on the bill is accurate.
The meter reading often tells us more than the total amount at the bottom of the bill.
Our Bill Validation Process
We Check The Supply Details
Before anything else, we check that the bill relates to the correct property and supply. For electricity, this may include checking the MPAN and meter serial number. For gas, this may include checking the MPRN and meter serial number. Businesses with several buildings can have more than one supply, so it is important to make sure the correct meter and account are being reviewed.
We Check The Meter Reading
We compare the current meter reading with the reading shown on the bill. Where a photograph has been provided, we also check the meter serial number to make sure the photograph relates to the correct meter. A reading should not be assumed to be correct simply because it appears on an invoice.
We Check Whether The Bill Is Actual Or Estimated
There are several types of reading: an actual reading taken by a meter reader, a customer-submitted reading, a smart meter reading sent automatically, and an estimated reading calculated by the supplier. Estimated bills are not automatically wrong, but they can gradually become inaccurate if they continue for a long time without being corrected by an actual reading.
We Compare The Usage
We compare the latest consumption with previous bills where available. Usage may legitimately change for many reasons: longer opening hours, new machinery or equipment, electric heating, cold weather, refrigeration, grain drying, irrigation, increased production, seasonal trading or a change in occupancy. Comparing annual usage is often more helpful than comparing one month in isolation.
We Look For A Catch-Up Bill
A catch-up bill occurs when a supplier has been estimating usage too low for several months. When an accurate meter reading is finally received, the next bill includes energy that was used earlier but had not yet been charged correctly. This can make the latest bill look unusually high even where the unit rate has not changed. A catch-up bill is not automatically correct or incorrect — it needs to be checked against the actual meter readings.
We Check The Unit Rates
We compare the unit rate charged on the latest bill with the contracted rate and, where available, earlier invoices. Some businesses have more than one rate, such as day and night rates. Rates may change if a fixed contract has ended or if the account has moved onto another tariff.
We Check The Standing Charge
The standing charge is normally applied every day while the supply remains live, even where little or no energy is being used. We check the daily amount, whether it matches the agreed contract, whether it has changed, whether every supply is still required and whether a lower standing charge or lower overall annual cost option may be available. The lowest standing charge is not always the cheapest option overall, because the unit rate may be higher.
We Check The Contract And Tariff
We look for the contract end date, the tariff name, whether the contract is fixed or variable, whether the account is on Variable Business Rates or a deemed tariff, and whether a renewal or tariff change has taken place. A contract can expire without the supply being disconnected. The energy continues, but the prices may change.
We Check VAT And Climate Change Levy
We check how VAT and Climate Change Levy have been applied. Eligibility for reduced VAT or relief depends on the organisation and how the energy is used. Not every charity, church, farm or other organisation automatically qualifies. Any relief must be considered against the relevant rules and supporting information.
We Compare The Latest Bill With Earlier Bills
One bill does not always tell the full story. Where possible, we compare it with earlier invoices to see whether readings have been estimated for a long period, whether consumption has changed, whether the unit rate or standing charge changed, whether the contract expired and whether previous credits or adjustments have affected the balance.
We Explain What We Have Found
After reviewing the information, we explain the likely cause of the bill in plain English. Possible findings include: the bill appears consistent with the meter reading; the supplier is catching up after earlier estimates; the tariff has changed; the contract has expired; the account appears to be on Variable Business Rates; the bill may need to be queried with the supplier; or further bills or meter information are needed before a conclusion can be reached. We do not promise that every problem can be resolved immediately.
One Thing That Catches Businesses Out
Many businesses look only at the unit rate because it is the easiest number to compare. But a bill can increase even where the unit rate has remained unchanged.
A higher meter reading, a catch-up adjustment, a longer billing period, a standing charge increase, a contract ending, VAT or Climate Change Levy, or a previous credit being removed can all push the total up without the unit rate changing at all. The whole bill needs to be reviewed rather than one figure.
From Our Experience
Customers regularly contact us believing their supplier has increased the prices, only for the meter readings to show that the bill is catching up after months of estimates.
The opposite can happen too. Sometimes the usage is correct but the tariff has changed because a fixed contract has expired. This is why we check the readings and the rates separately.
Could The 12 Month Backbilling Rule Apply?
Where a supplier has failed to bill accurately for a long period, rules may sometimes restrict how far back certain charges can be recovered.
This protection does not automatically apply to every large or estimated bill. The individual circumstances need to be reviewed, including why accurate bills were not issued, whether the supplier had accurate readings, whether the customer provided readings when requested, whether access to the meter was refused or prevented, whether the customer acted reasonably and whether the business falls within the relevant protections.
We can help review the billing history and highlight whether this may be relevant, but every case depends on its own circumstances. We do not provide legal advice and cannot promise that charges will be removed.
What Should You Send Us?
The more information you can share, the more thorough the review. Customers should hide bank details or other information they do not want to share, but the supplier, account information, supply numbers, tariff details, dates, readings and charges need to remain visible where possible.
What Bills Can We Review?
We can review a wide range of business energy bills and documents.
Suppliers whose bills we regularly review
Supplier names and logos are used for identification. The Best Energy Rates is an independent business energy consultancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Would You Like Us To Check Your Bill?
Send us your latest bill and a photograph of the meter. We will begin with the readings and usage before reviewing the rates and contract. If something looks wrong, we will explain what we have found and discuss sensible next steps.