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Electricity & gas · Bulgaria
Checked 2026-09-30

🗓️ Estimated bills and back-billing in Bulgaria: 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 Bulgaria

Back-billing and estimated bills

If your meter was faulty or the wiring was changed, the grid company may recalculate your consumption only for the shorter of the time since the last check or the 3 months before the problem was found. For an illegal connection the limit is 180 days.

  • Every recalculation needs an inspection report (констативен протокол) signed by you, or, if you are absent or refuse, by a witness who does not work for the company. It must then be sent to you within 7 days. (dker.bg)
  • If a check shows you were charged for more electricity than you used, the whole overpaid amount is refunded in the month after the check. (dker.bg)
Official source: dker.bg · 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 Bulgaria 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

Омбудсман на Република БългарияSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 02/81-06-955🔗 www.ombudsman.bg
Комисия за енергийно и водно регулиране (КЕВР)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 (+3592) 988 24 98🔗 www.dker.bg

❓ 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 Bulgaria 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 Bulgaria

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