Energy Back-billing project

In March 2018, we announced our decision to protect consumers from lengthy back-bills, banning suppliers from issuing customers with back-bills for energy used more than 12 months prior to the date of the bill. The decision followed our statutory consultation and open letter we published in 2017.

Energy back-bills: Background

In 2007, domestic energy suppliers active at that time signed up to a voluntary commitment to not back-bill for energy used more than 12 months previously, if the supplier was at fault for not sending a bill or billing incorrectly. Many suppliers had signed up to, or followed, a voluntary agreement not to back-bill customers past 12 months. 

Back-billing project summary

• Standard Condition 21BA places restrictions on back-billing. The condition prevents suppliers from back-billing domestic and microbusiness consumers for energy consumed more than 12 months prior to the date of the bill, subject to certain exceptions including where the consumer has been obstructive or manifestly unreasonable.
• This protects consumers from the shock of back-bills and strongly incentivises suppliers to engage with consumers to get meter readings.
• The licence condition applies to all meter types and payment methods.

You can view all publications and outputs relating to the Back-billing project in the publications and updates list below.