Start a business energy bill check with the billing period and meter readings—not just the amount due. A larger invoice may reflect more usage, a longer period, an estimated-reading correction or an old balance rather than a changed unit rate.
Use this checklist with your actual bill and contract. For short explanations, see our business energy billing FAQs.
Check the account and supply identifiers
Confirm the legal customer, site address and account number. Electricity uses a Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN); gas uses a Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN).
These identify supply points. The serial number on the physical meter identifies the equipment itself. Check the bill's meter serial number against that meter; do not expect its serial number to match the MPAN or MPRN.
For help identifying a supplier or network, use Ofgem's lookup guidance. Report an incorrect site or meter association before relying on the consumption figures.
Check dates and readings
Record the start and end dates, number of days, opening and closing readings, and whether each is actual or estimated.
A bill following estimates may reconcile earlier consumption. Compare the periods carefully so you do not count the same usage twice. Photograph a current reading and ask the supplier to investigate unexplained estimates, including where a smart meter is installed.
Gas meters measure volume, while gas is billed in kilowatt-hours. Check the supplier's conversion calculation and whether the meter is metric or imperial; do not multiply the raw gas-meter difference straight by the kWh price.
Recalculate the main charges
| Item | Basic check |
|---|---|
| Energy | Billed kWh × applicable unit price |
| Standing charge | Charged days × applicable daily price |
| Multiple rate bands | Calculate each band's consumption separately |
| Additional charges | Match the item, period and calculation to the agreement |
| Tax | Confirm applicable VAT and Climate Change Levy treatment |
| Account balance | Separate new charges from previous debt, payments and credits |
Convert pence to pounds before multiplying. Small rounding differences may arise; a substantial difference needs an explanation.
Our standing-charge guide includes worked examples. If a supposedly fixed price has changed, ask for the contractual basis and read the fixed-contract bill guide.
Review VAT and Climate Change Levy
Standard treatment is not always correct for a particular supply. Low consumption or qualifying use can affect VAT and Climate Change Levy (CCL).
Eligibility, location and the relevant dates matter. Our VAT and CCL guide covers the thresholds and HMRC's temporary qualifying-electricity VAT change from October 2026. Do not infer eligibility just from your business type, or copy electricity treatment onto gas.
Ask the supplier to explain the treatment and evidence required. An accountant should assess uncertain tax questions.
Separate the bill from the payment
A fixed monthly Direct Debit can be an instalment towards forecast costs, not the exact cost of that month's usage. Ask how the amount was calculated and reconcile payments with charges.
If credit remains after a final bill, ask the supplier to confirm the refundable amount and timescale. If there is debt, query unexplained items promptly and discuss affordability separately.
Raise a clear query
Send the supplier the account reference, relevant bill, readings or contract evidence, the exact discrepancy and the correction you are requesting. Keep a complaint reference if it becomes a formal dispute.
Do not assume making a complaint automatically pauses charges or debt recovery. Ask how disputed amounts will be treated. The complaints FAQs explain escalation and eligibility.
Does a fixed contract guarantee the same monthly bill?
No. Usage, billing days, corrections and any permitted variable items can change the total.
Can Aarubi confirm a bill is wrong?
Our Energy Bill Checker can help identify items to investigate. It cannot replace supplier records or determine disputed legal or tax entitlement.
Should I switch immediately after a high bill?
First establish the cause and your existing obligations. If renewal is approaching, request a comparison using reliable consumption figures.
Reviewed on 30 September 2026 for businesses in Great Britain.
