Energy bills in Netherlands?

pauli71

Hi. This is a bit of a random question, but does anyone know anything about how to challenge energy bills in the Netherlands? I have a friend over there who has been sent a ludicrously large bill (several thousand euros), and she doesn’t know who to speak to or how to challenge it. She’s very distressed and has got to the point where she’s thinking of selling her house. Any advice appreciated!

Robin9

I imagine the same as in this country - look at the bills, estimated or actual readings, does she read her meter, standard tariffs, have the DD's been taken etc ……………...

pauli71

Thanks Robin9 🙂
I guess I was thinking more of the complaints mechanism, ombudsman etc. Any ideas?

Highland76

pauli71 wrote: »

Hi. This is a bit of a random question, but does anyone know anything about how to challenge energy bills in the Netherlands? I have a friend over there who has been sent a ludicrously large bill (several thousand euros), and she doesn’t know who to speak to or how to challenge it.

Don't her energy bills have a contact number or email address on which to contact the energy provider? If she already has, what reason did the energy company give for the high bills? Going through the complaints procedure/ombudsman should be the last port of call for her, i.e. communication through normal support channels has failed to resolve her issue(s).

Robin9

As in this country first sure that the figures are correct. Go back to the meter readings given when she started are correct; read the meters today and do your own sums, check that the DD's have been taken by the bank …………. check the meter details etc

Gerry1

Something about this case doesn't sound right: a ludicrous bill shouldn't just come out of the blue, nor should she be thinking of selling her house as the first response without even querying it. I hesitate to ask, but is she a particularly 'vulnerable' sort of person?

Has she just misread the meter (e.g. 8xxxx instead of 3xxxx) and the computer has just generated a crazy bill without applying any checks and balances? Or has she been paying a ridiculously low direct debit for years, not reading the meter, and an accurate reading has finally caught up with her?

Ask her to send you a copy of the bill (and preferably the previous ones) so that you can publish a redacted version here so that forumites can advise further.

Rhenser

pauli71 wrote: »

Hi. This is a bit of a random question, but does anyone know anything about how to challenge energy bills in the Netherlands? I have a friend over there who has been sent a ludicrously large bill (several thousand euros), and she doesn’t know who to speak to or how to challenge it. She’s very distressed and has got to the point where she’s thinking of selling her house. Any advice appreciated!

pauli71 wrote: »

Thanks Robin9 ��
I guess I was thinking more of the complaints mechanism, ombudsman etc. Any ideas?

Who is the supplier?

The procedure is very similar as to within the UK.

First you need to contact the supplier involved. If appropriate, ask for their complaint procedure and follow it.

If, having exhausted the appropriate procedures with the supplier you remain unhappy, then most suppliers will allow you to complain to De Geschillencommissie (refer to your terms and conditions to ensure the supplier is affilliated - as I said most are).

Note that there is a charge of € 52,50 for using De Geschillencommissie, but that is refunded if your complaint is upheld.

Whilst you are using the services of De Geschillencommissie, you will be encouraged to continue to strive to reach a mutually agreeable resolution direct with the supplier, or through mediation. If De Geschillencommissie are asked to finally pass judgement, then their decision will be binding on both parties.