My energy bill is wrong or far too high in Belgium. 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 Belgium

What to do first

First try to solve the problem with your supplier or grid operator. If that fails, file a written complaint with the federal Energy Ombudsman within one year; debt collection is suspended while it is handled.

Ombudsdienst voor Energie / Service de Médiation de l'Énergie · free 📞 +32 2 211 10 60 🔗 ombudsmanenergie.be

Official source: economie.fgov.be · Checked 2026-09-27

Protection against cut-off

Rules are regional. Flanders: supplier sends a reminder, then a formal notice, and must keep supplying 45 days after ending the contract; only an LAC decision allows a cut. Wallonia: prepayment meter or justice of the peace. Brussels: justice of the peace only, no cuts 1 Oct–31 Mar.

Official source: vlaamsenutsregulator.be · 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

Ombudsdienst voor Energie / Service de Médiation de l'ÉnergieSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 +32 2 211 10 60 🔗 www.ombudsmanenergie.be/nl

CREG – Commissie voor de Regulering van de Elektriciteit en het GasSupervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.creg.be/nl

Vlaamse Nutsregulator (VNR, voorheen VREG) (Flanders)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.vlaamsenutsregulator.be

CWaPE – Commission wallonne pour l'Énergie (Wallonia)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.cwape.be

BRUGEL (Brussels-Capital Region)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 brugel.brussels

Testaankoop / Test-AchatsIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.test-aankoop.be

❓ 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.

🔗 Also useful

More help in Belgium

All other problems: who handles whatWho do I contact?100+ things that go wrong — money, housing, work, safety, health, papers, government — and the one desk in Belgium that actually handles each: phone, site, and what to say when they pick up.Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Recognise it firstIs dit veilig?Check a phone number, website or message against 47,000 scam dossiers.

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