The utility bill suddenly increased: how the meter can affect the charges

Ukrainians may receive a higher payment for utility services even without changing the tariff. The reason may be an overdue meter verification, its malfunction or the lack of current indicators. In such cases, the amount of consumption may be determined according to other rules.

When a problem with the meter affects the payment

Meters are used to determine the actual amount of water, gas, electricity or thermal energy consumed. However, the device must be in good condition and undergo the prescribed verification in a timely manner.

In particular, household gas and electricity meters are subject to periodic verification, as well as verification after repair. If the device indicators cannot be used for commercial accounting, the supplier will determine the amount of consumption in another way provided for by the rules.

Because of this, the amount in the payment may differ from the one the consumer expected.

What will happen if the indicators are not transmitted

Another reason for unexpected charges is the untimely transmission of indicators.

If the supplier has not received up-to-date data on actual consumption, the volume of the service used may be determined according to other prescribed rules.

Therefore, even if the actual consumption in the apartment has practically not changed, the amount to be paid may be different. This also applies to housing in which no one lives for a long time: the absence of residents alone does not mean that the indicators can not be transmitted.

Who should pay for verification

Consumers are also advised to check the terms of verification of their devices. The date of the next procedure can be found in the meter passport, documents on preliminary verification or clarified with the supplier.

In this case, the rules and procedure for payment depend on the type of device. In particular, in cases provided for by law, periodic verification of household gas and electricity meters must be carried out at the expense of the relevant business entities.

Therefore, before paying for the proposed verification service, it is worth first finding out who exactly should finance it.

What to do if the bill has increased sharply

First of all, the consumer should compare the actual meter readings with the data on the bill.

If the numbers do not match, you should contact the supplier and demand an explanation of the billing procedure. It is also necessary to check the date of the last verification and find out whether the device can still be used for billing.

It is also worth checking whether the readings were transmitted on time in previous months – even one error can affect subsequent charges.

If the consumer believes the amount is incorrect, he has the right to contact the utility service provider and demand information about the calculation and verification of the correctness of the charges. There are also mechanisms for recalculating the cost in cases of non-provision of services, their incomplete provision or improper quality.

Thus, a sharp increase in the bill does not always mean an increase in tariffs. Before paying, it is worth checking the meter readings, the status of its verification and the method by which the supplier calculated the volume of consumption.