Dickson Welcomes Changes to Back Billing for Energy Customers

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has welcomed a charged in back billing rules for energy customers that means companies can only back bill for 13 months of outstanding amounts, rather than the current six years.

Mr Dickson commented: “Sometimes there is a supplier issue in calculating how much a customer owes, often this can happen with estimated bills. Right now, suppliers can require customers to pay up to six years’ worth of outstanding amounts.

“This is not the consumers fault, and so I welcome new rules by the Utility Regulator from 1 October that allows energy companies to back bill for a maximum period of 13 months. Such changes will help guard against surprise bills for domestic and business customers, and encourage suppliers to ensure that bill readings are accurate. I would also recommend that consumers submit regular meter readings to their supplier.”