Carlos Felipe B.Managing partner and founder
An bill high deserves review, but no experiment by itself a error
A significant increase in your electricity bill could be due to higher consumption, differences in the billing period , adjustments, or metering issues. Before concluding whether the charge is correct or incorrect , compare the kilowatt- hours (kWh), dates, readings, and the type of consumption indicated. The General Electricity Law No. 125-01 and its Implementing Regulations govern metering and claims: any discrepancy should be examined in light of the billing history and specific supply conditions.
When is it permitted to use the last three actual consumption readings?
Article 460 of the Regulations, as amended by Article 62 of Decree 494-07, requires billing to be based on the meter reading. Exceptionally, it allows for estimation using the average of the last three actual consumption readings when the meter is not visible to the reader or is damaged, applying the rate in effect for the corresponding month . This rule does not authorize the automatic reduction of any high bill: the circumstances justifying the estimation or adjustment must first be verified.
The average is calculated based on energy, not on the money paid out
If the three relevant actual consumption readings were 180, 210, and 240 kWh, the average is 210 kWh; the applicable rate for the period is then applied. This is an illustrative example, not an official rate . Article 460 requires that the bill be labeled as "Estimated Consumption," that an actual reading be taken on the next bill, and that the corresponding adjustments be included; it also prohibits averaging over more than one month based on these reasons. These kWh readings should not be confused with the monetary average that can be paid while a claim is being processed.
What documents to request and keep
Gather the disputed bill, previous bills, payment receipts, contract number, dated photographs of the meter reading, and any documentation of meter inspection or replacement. Paragraph II of Article 460 requires that, upon request of the account holder, the meter's consumption history be provided within a maximum of three business days. Also request that the calculation method be identified and, if applicable, the technical inspection. Keep the receipts and avoid tampering with the meter or its seals.
First file a complaint with the distributor and then, if applicable, with PROTECOM
Articles 445 and 447 of the Regulations stipulate the procedure for filing a complaint with the distribution company, obtaining proof of payment, and receiving a written response. Article 445 establishes a six-month period from the date of the incident for filing an administrative complaint, so it is advisable to act promptly. If the response is unsatisfactory or does not arrive within the applicable timeframe, you can contact PROTECOM, providing the invoice and proof of prior action. Article 7 of the PROTECOM Regulations sets a ten-business-day period from the date of receiving the response to file a complaint with that office.
How to process the payment and request a refund of the excess.
To avoid service suspension during a current billing dispute, Article 446 allows for payment of the average of the last three paid bills, excluding disputed bills. If no payment history is available, the payment is 33% of the disputed bill. This payment is not a requirement for filing a claim and does not resolve the final amount. If overcharging due to a lack of meter readings is proven, Article 460.I allows for a refund of the excess amount with interest, subject to its terms. If the dispute persists, seek legal assistance to assess available remedies and their deadlines.