Estimated bills and back-billing in Denmark: how far back can my supplier charge me?
If your meter was not read for a long time, a large catch-up bill can follow. Many countries limit how far back a supplier may charge and set rules for meter readings.
📜 The rules in Denmark
Back-billing and estimated bills
Energy bills are generally time-barred 3 years after their due date. If the company estimated your use for several years, Ankenævnet på Energiområdet spreads the measured use evenly over those years and the time-barred part must be written off.
- Linear distribution: estimated consumption is spread equally over each year at that year's prices, minus what you already paid. (energianke.dk)
🪜 Step by step
- Read your meter nowTake a dated photo and send the reading to your supplier. It stops estimates from growing.
- Check the period on the billWhich months are charged, and was the reading real or estimated?
- Compare with the rulesSee below how far back a supplier may bill in Denmark and how often your meter must be read.
- Dispute in writingIf the bill goes back further than allowed, write to the supplier, then to the dispute body below.
📇 Who to contact
❓ Questions
Do I have to pay a huge catch-up bill at once?
Ask for a payment plan. Many suppliers must offer one; the rules for Denmark are on this page.
Why did I get an estimated bill?
No reading was available. Send a real reading and ask for a corrected bill.
What if the meter was faulty?
Ask the grid operator to test it. Keep the test report for your complaint.
📎 Sources
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