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Electricity & gas · Czechia
Checked 2026-09-30

🗓️ Estimated bills and back-billing in Czechia: how far back can my supplier charge me?

The short answer

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 Czechia

Back-billing and estimated bills

Your supplier must bill you at least once a year; a billing period may not exceed 14 months. If the meter is not read, consumption may be estimated from standard load profiles, but at most twice in a row; then a physical reading or your own reading is required.

  • The supplier must send the bill within 15 days of receiving the meter data. (eru.gov.cz)
  • A complaint about a bill must usually be settled within 15 days, or 30 days if it concerns the measured consumption. If the deadline is missed you are owed compensation; you must pay any balance on time even while complaining. (eru.gov.cz)
Official source: eru.gov.cz · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

  1. Read your meter nowTake a dated photo and send the reading to your supplier. It stops estimates from growing.
  2. Check the period on the billWhich months are charged, and was the reading real or estimated?
  3. Compare with the rulesSee below how far back a supplier may bill in Czechia and how often your meter must be read.
  4. Dispute in writingIf the bill goes back further than allowed, write to the supplier, then to the dispute body below.

📇 Who to contact

Energetický regulační úřad – mimosoudní řešení spotřebitelských sporůSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 +420 564 578 666🔗 eru.gov.cz/spor-s-dodavatelem
Energetický regulační úřad (ERÚ)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 +420 564 578 666🔗 eru.gov.cz

❓ 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 Czechia 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

Checked: 2026-09-30

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

🧾Wrong or high bill→📣Complaint about a supplier→📟Smart meter→🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→

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