Energy Billing Dispute Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to challenge incorrect energy bill or demand repayment of back-billed amount, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong energy billing dispute letter should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Reference Ofgem's back-billing rule that suppliers cannot charge for energy used more than 12 months before the bill if the supplier caused or contributed to the delay in billing
• State the amount disputed and the period it covers
• Request the bill is reduced or written off and a corrected bill issued

Understanding back-billing rules

Ofgem's back-billing rules mean that if an energy supplier fails to bill you correctly through no fault of your own (often due to a metering or billing error on their end), they generally can't charge you for energy used more than 12 months ago. This is a significant protection if you suddenly receive a large, unexpected bill covering a long historic period.

What to include before you send it

• The account details and the specific bill you're disputing
• Why you believe the bill is incorrect, or why back-billing protection applies
• Any evidence — meter readings you've submitted, previous correspondence, or your own usage records
• What outcome you're seeking — a corrected bill, or the back-billing protection to be applied

When back-billing protection doesn't apply

This protection doesn't apply if you've acted unreasonably — for example, by stopping your supplier from billing you accurately (including blocking access to your meter), ignoring requests for payment, or stealing gas or electricity. Being clear about which situation applies to you strengthens your dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I've already been paying based on estimated bills?
This doesn't remove your protection — the key question is whether the supplier's billing failure was their fault, not whether you'd been paying estimated amounts along the way.

Can I withhold payment while this is disputed?
It's generally safer to pay any undisputed portion while formally disputing the rest in writing, rather than withholding payment entirely, which can complicate your position.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Energy Supplier]
[Complaints Address]
[Postcode]
[Date]

Dear Complaints Team,

Subject: Complaint – disputed bill on account [Account Number]

I am disputing the bill dated [Date] for £[amount], covering [Start Date] to [End Date].

The bill is wrong because:
• [e.g. it uses an estimated reading much higher than my actual reading.]
• My actual [electricity / gas] reading on [Date] was [reading]. A photo is enclosed.
• [Back-billing (Great Britain): I have not had an accurate bill for more than 12 months, through no fault of mine. Under Ofgem's back-billing rule, you cannot charge for energy used more than 12 months before the bill when the supplier caused or contributed to the delay. £[amount] of this bill is for that earlier period.]

Please reduce the bill [or write off £[amount]] and send me a corrected bill.

While you investigate, please do not take debt collection action or report this amount to credit reference agencies. I will keep paying my usual £[amount] for my normal use.

Please reply within 10 working days.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]