My energy bill is wrong or far too high in Austria. What now?

The short answer

Most bill problems come from estimated meter readings, a wrong meter number or a changed advance payment. You have the right to a correct bill based on your real use.

📜 The rules in Austria

What to do first

First try to reach an agreement with your supplier or grid operator in writing. If that fails, send a written complaint (web form, e-mail, post) with the correspondence to the E-Control conciliation body within one year. The disputed amount is not due during the procedure.

Schlichtungsstelle der E-Control · free 📞 +43 1 24724 444 🔗 e-control.at

Official source: e-control.at · Checked 2026-09-27

Protection against cut-off

Before a cut-off for non-payment you must receive at least two reminders, each with a two-week grace period; the last by registered letter. Cut-offs are not allowed on the last working day before a weekend or public holiday. You have a right to instalments.

Official source: ris.bka.gv.at · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

Read your meter nowTake a dated photo of the meter and compare it with the reading on the bill.
Check the detailsMeter number, address, period, price per unit and advance payments. One wrong digit can explain a huge bill.
Complain in writingSend the supplier your reading and photo and ask for a corrected bill. If you can, pay the part you do not dispute.
EscalateIf the supplier does not fix it in time, go to the dispute body below.

📇 Who to contact

Schlichtungsstelle der E-ControlSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 +43 1 24724 444 🔗 www.e-control.at/en/schlichtungsstelle

E-Control (Energie-Control Austria)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 +43 1 24 7 24-0 🔗 www.e-control.at

Verein für Konsumenteninformation (VKI)Independent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.vki.at

❓ Questions

Should I pay a bill I dispute?

If you can, pay the part you agree with and dispute the rest in writing. That protects you best.

Can the supplier estimate my use?

Yes, if no reading was available. You can always send a real reading and ask for a correction.

How far back can they bill me?

The limits differ per country. Ask the energy regulator if you get a large back-bill.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 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.

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🧾 My energy bill is wrong or far too high in Austria. What now?