Estimated bills and back-billing in Malta: 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 Malta
Back-billing and estimated bills
ARMS Ltd bills every two months. Once your smart meter is read remotely, bills are based on actual readings; otherwise a bill can be an estimate. You can book a meter-reading visit and, if needed, have your bill revised.
- If you think your meter is not recording correctly, apply for a meter test. There is a charge, refunded if the meter is found faulty. (arms.com.mt)
- For an unoccupied property you can apply to have the meter read once a year instead of receiving estimated bills every two months; meter rent is still billed. (arms.com.mt)
🪜 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 Malta 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 Malta 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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