Are utility-companies legally required to send you a bill?

OutragedofHX

I moved residence and asked United Utilities to send me a final bill so I could pay it; I wanted to be sure the final bill was correct, having sent them the final meter-reading. They refused send me one, repeatedly, and so they didn’t get paid; this damaged my credit-rating. Are they legally required to send you a bill or are you just required to pay the amount they take by direct debit (which is what had been done up to that point)?

OutragedofHX

PS they also refused to agree to note my change of residence, repeatedly.

QrizB

I moved residence and asked United Utilities to send me a final bill so I could pay it

United Utilities aren't an electricity or gas supplier, as far as I'm aware. Does your question concern a water bill?

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6662382/are-utility-companies-legally-required-to-send-you-a-bill

This company???

https://www.unitedutilities.com/

Robin9

I have asked MSE to move to Water Bills

OutragedofHX

Yes, it’s a water-company. My apologies for getting the wrong thread.

OutragedofHX

I got this from AI "utility companies are legally required to provide you with a bill. Under UK consumer protection law:
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires traders to provide transparent information about charges

Utility Regulator rules (Ofwat for water, Ofgem for energy, etc.) mandate that companies issue bills showing charges, consumption, and payment terms

Bills are essential for transparency and dispute resolution — you have the right to know what you're being charged and why

A utility company cannot simply demand payment without providing documentation of what they're billing you for."

As to my credit-record being damaged, it responded:

"This is potentially unlawful, and you may have grounds for complaint or legal action. Here's why:

The Credit Reporting Issue

• A utility company can only report you as in default or late if you've actually failed to pay a debt that was properly demanded
• If they refused to issue a bill, they hadn't formally invoiced you, so arguably no contractual debt existed yet that you could be in breach of
• Reporting you to credit agencies without a proper invoice could constitute inaccurate credit reporting, which is itself a breach of your rights under data protection and consumer law

Your Position

You were arguably acting reasonably by requesting a bill before paying. You weren't refusing to pay the debt — you were requesting proper documentation of what you owed, which is your legal right.”

As with any AI response, it’s important to check its validity, so I’d be grateful if anyone has further clarification.