Do You Have to Pay an Incorrect Back Bill? Know Your Rights

In 2025, energy back billing remains a common issue across the UK, affecting thousands of businesses and households. If you have been hit with a large catch-up bill, you might be wondering: Do I have to pay this? Why am I being charged now? And what can I do about it?

Our blog explains the current rules around energy back billing, your rights under Ofgem’s regulations and how Energy Solicitors can help you challenge unfair charges.

What Is Energy Back Billing?

Back billing happens when your energy supplier sends a revised bill for energy you’ve already used but were not properly charged for. This often occurs due to estimated meter readings, faulty meters, or supplier errors. In some cases, the issue may stem from a long-standing underpayment caused by incorrect Direct Debit amounts or missed readings.

While suppliers are entitled to recover costs for energy you have used, there are clear limits to what they can demand, especially when the fault lies with them.

Ofgem’s Principles on Back Billing

Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, has set out strict rules to protect consumers from unfair back billing.

The key principle is simple; you should not be charged for energy used more than 12 months ago if you haven’t received an accurate bill for that period.

This rule applies to domestic consumers and businesses alike. If your supplier failed to send you a correct bill or if they made errors in your account management, they cannot legally demand payment for energy consumed over a year ago. Such protections are designed to ensure that suppliers take responsibility for their own administrative failures.

However, there are exceptions.

If you have actively prevented your supplier from accessing your meter, ignored repeated requests for readings or knowingly used energy without informing them, you may still be liable for older charges.

Why Am I Being Charged?

Many consumers are surprised to receive a back bill, especially if they have been paying regularly. Common reasons include the failure of smart meters to transmit data, reliance on estimated readings for extended periods or errors during property transfers. Sometimes, energy suppliers only discover discrepancies during audits or system upgrades, leading to delayed billing.

It is important to understand that not all back bills are valid. If the issue was caused by the supplier and you were not given accurate bills or statements, you may not have to pay.

Do You Have to Pay?

The answer depends on the circumstances.

If the bill covers energy used within the last 12 months and is based on accurate readings, you may be required to pay. But if it includes charges for energy used more than a year ago, and you were not properly billed at the time, you are likely protected under Ofgem’s rules.

Always check the date range of the charges and compare them with your previous bills and meter readings. If anything seems unclear or unfair, you have the right to challenge it.

What Can You Do?

If you receive a back bill, start by reviewing it carefully. Contact your supplier and ask for a detailed breakdown. Make sure to mention Ofgem’s 12-month rule and ask whether the charges comply with it. If the supplier refuses to adjust the bill, you can escalate the issue to the Energy Ombudsman, especially if it’s been more than eight weeks since you raised the complaint.

But navigating this process can be complex, especially when suppliers push back or dispute your claims. That’s where legal support becomes invaluable.

How Energy Solicitors Can Help

At Energy Solicitors, we specialise in energy law and consumer rights within the UK energy market. Our legal team can help you:

• Challenge incorrect or unfair back bills
• Negotiate with energy suppliers on your behalf
• Escalate disputes to the Energy Ombudsman
• Secure refunds or reductions where appropriate

Energy back billing can be stressful, but you are not powerless. With Ofgem’s protections and expert legal support, you can challenge unfair charges and avoid paying for energy you shouldn’t be billed for.

If you have received a back bill and need help, contact Energy Solicitors today.