Estimated Electricity Bill Too High (UK): What to Do

Main reasons

• Smart meter not communicating so supplier estimates
• No recent actual reads
• Supplier catch‑up after an estimate
• Incorrect register setup (e.g., Economy 7)

What to check in 2 minutes

• Check if the bill says 'estimated'
• Take clear photos of your meter/registers
• Submit an up‑to‑date reading
• Check billing dates and days billed

Quick calculation

Use the kWh → cost calculator to sanity‑check usage cost, then add standing charge.

If something looks wrong

1. Submit readings with photos and keep confirmation
2. Ask supplier to rebill using actual reads
3. Confirm register configuration if Economy 7
4. If repeated, follow dispute steps and keep a written timeline

Related pages

• Smart meter issues
• Wrong meter reading
• Dispute steps
• Standing charge

Updated 2026-02-18