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Electricity & gas · Norway
Checked 2026-09-30

🗓️ Estimated bills and back-billing in Norway: 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 Norway

Back-billing and estimated bills

If your grid company corrects hourly meter readings later than six months after the day of use, it has no right to charge you for it (avregningsforskriften § 6-14). Grid bills are sent at least every three months based on meter readings.

  • Customers with an hourly meter are billed on actual hourly use. Estimated consumption may only be used if reading the meter would be unreasonably costly, and the bill must say it is estimated. (lovdata.no)
  • Every bill must tell you how to object and give Elklagenemnda's contact details. (lovdata.no)
Official source: lovdata.no · 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 Norway 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

ElklagenemndaSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 23 08 84 70🔗 www.elklagenemnda.no
Reguleringsmyndigheten for energi (RME), part of NVESupervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 22 95 90 00🔗 www.nve.no/reguleringsmyndigheten

❓ 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 Norway 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→

More help in Norway

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