Proof-first playbook (UK)

Wrong meter reading on an energy bill (UK): proof that wins

If your bill looks wrong, your goal is simple: replace the supplier’s numbers with evidence. This page shows what to photograph, what to request, and a copy‑paste rebill email.

Start the steps Quick calculator If it’s “estimated”

2 photos win disputes 10‑minute evidence pack Copy‑paste request

Step 1 — Confirm the basics

Billing dates

Wrong date range = wrong total. Check start/end dates and days billed.

Unit rate & standing charge

Rates can change mid‑period. Confirm p/kWh + p/day and effective dates.

Rate change checks

Estimated vs actual

If the bill is “E/Estimated”, fix that first — it’s the #1 cause.

Estimated bill steps

Bill map (what must match)

Dates → reads → rates → total.

If any block doesn’t match your evidence, you have a clean reason to request a rebill.

Common mistake types + what wins

Mistake type	How you spot it	What to request	Evidence that wins
Estimated used as actual	Bill shows “E/Estimated”, or reads don’t match your photos.	Reading history + confirm estimated vs actual for each read.	Timestamped meter photos near bill dates.
Wrong register (Economy 7)	Day/night swapped, or one register jumps unrealistically.	Register mapping confirmation (R1/R2) + tariff confirmation.	Photos showing both registers + serial number.
Digits entered wrong	Huge spike (often one digit off).	How the read was captured (customer/agent/auto) + audit trail.	Read photo + proof you submitted correct read (screenshot).
Wrong meter / serial mismatch	Bill serial number ≠ your meter serial number.	Confirm serial on account + correction process/site visit.	Clear serial number photo + statement screenshot.
Wrong dates / overlap	Two bills cover same days, or period length is off.	Explain date ranges and days billed calculation.	Both statements + short timeline.

Standing charge checks Rate change checks

Step 2 — Evidence pack (10 minutes)

1) Two meter photos

Opening + closing (or nearest dates). Make digits readable.

2) Serial number photo

A serial mismatch is hard to argue with.

3) Proof of submissions

Screenshots of reads you submitted via app/web/email.

4) Simple timeline

Date → what happened → reference number.

Timeline template

Date	What happened	Ref / proof
18 Feb	Submitted meter read via app.	Screenshot
20 Feb	Received bill with higher read than photo.	Bill PDF
20 Feb	Requested reading history + rebill.	Call ref #

Keep supplier replies in writing where possible.

Step 3 — Rebill request (copy‑paste)

Dispute steps

Subject: Request for meter reading history + rebill (incorrect meter readings)

Hi [Supplier name],

I believe the meter readings used on my statement are incorrect.

Account: [account number]
Address: [address]
MPAN/MPRN (if shown): [MPAN/MPRN]
Meter serial number on my meter: [serial number]
Meter serial number shown on bill (if different): [serial number]

Please provide:
1) The full meter reading history on my account for the last 12 months (dates + reads + whether each read was actual or estimated).
2) Confirmation of which opening and closing reads were used to calculate this bill, and how they were obtained (customer/agent/auto).
3) A corrected bill (rebill) using the accurate readings. I have attached timestamped photos of my meter readings for the relevant dates.

If the meter serial number on my account does not match the serial number on my meter, please confirm how this will be corrected and whether a site visit is required.

Please respond in writing and include any reference number for this request.

Thanks,
[Your name]
[Phone number]

Updated 2026-02-18

FAQ

Look for “E/Estimated” on the statement, or reads that don’t match your photos. Ask the supplier to confirm estimated vs actual per read.

Timestamped meter photos + serial number photo + a short timeline. If you submitted reads, include screenshots.

Yes. Ask for register mapping confirmation (R1/R2) and tariff type confirmation.

Ask for a complaint reference in writing, request deadlock if unresolved, then escalate to the Energy Ombudsman.

Estimated bill too high

Replace the estimate and request a rebill.

Standing charge too high

p/day × days billed traps and quick checks.