Back billing oil company?

Drumstation

We have oil fired heating at home. In December, out of the blue I received an invoice by email from a supplier dating back to October 2022 so from just over 2 years ago.   I queried this as usually oil is paid for in advance and for 2 years I received no calls, letters, emails or statements from them. On raising a formal complaint, I was told they had issues with their systems, I should have been receiving monthly statements (then another email said I wouldn’t receive monthly statement as my outstanding balance was less than £500), that they’ve got new systems in place and noticed a spelling mistake in my email. Basically blah blah blah. I expressed concern that they’ve never phoned or sent any letter by recorded delivery. I have gone back and forward but they are adamant that because they’ve provided and we’ve used the oil we are due to pay them. 

I saw something last week about back billing but I am not sure it would apply to the supply of heating oil. Can anyone help here?    I can pay them, it will just have to be by instalments and lots of them. 

Ectophile

The Back Billing Rule only applies to supplies governed by Ofgem.  That's mains electricity and gas.

Otherwise the Limitation Act gives them 6 years (5 in Scotland).

Drumstation

Ok. Thank you very much for helping. I appreciate it. 

KittenChops

Ask the supplier to send you full history of your account - then check your bank statements to ensure that all payments were credited to the account