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Electricity & gas · Liechtenstein
Checked 2026-09-30

🗓️ Estimated bills and back-billing in Liechtenstein: 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 Liechtenstein

Back-billing and estimated bills

Errors in bills and payments can be corrected within the statutory limitation period of 5 years. If a faulty meter's error can be clearly measured, bills are corrected for that period, but for no more than 5 years.

  • LKW reads the meters and bills at regular intervals; it may also send advance bills based on estimated consumption. (lkw.li)
  • If you doubt your meter, you can ask for a test by a calibration office. LKW pays if the meter is outside the legal tolerance; otherwise you pay. (lkw.li)
Official source: lkw.li · 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 Liechtenstein 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

Schlichtungsstelle nach Elektrizitätsmarkt- und Gasmarktgesetz (Kommission für Energiemarktaufsicht)Settles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint
Kommission für EnergiemarktaufsichtSupervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules

❓ 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 Liechtenstein 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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