Disputing an energy bill in France: supplier complaint and mediator
Compare the bill with meter readings, the contract, tariff and payment history. Complain first to the supplier in writing and ask for a corrected invoice or payment arrangement. If the written complaint is unresolved after the required period, refer the file to the Médiateur national de l'énergie and keep paying any undisputed amount.
Quick answer
Compare the bill with meter readings, the contract, tariff and payment history. Complain first to the supplier in writing and ask for a corrected invoice or payment arrangement. If the written complaint is unresolved after the required period, refer the file to the Médiateur national de l'énergie and keep paying any undisputed amount.
| Who it is for | People facing this procedure |
| Key rule | Compare the bill with meter readings, the contract, tariff and payment history. Complain first to the supplier in writing and ask for a corrected invoice or payment arrangement. If the written complaint is unresolved after the required period, refer the file to the Médiateur national de l'énergie and keep paying any undisputed amount. |
| First step | Write to the relevant organisation and keep proof of dispatch |
| Evidence | Decision, contract, dates and supporting documents |
| Escalation | Written complaint, formal notice, mediator or court |
| Common mistake | Relying on a phone call without dated proof |
1. Check the rule and the deadline
Compare the bill with meter readings, the contract, tariff and payment history. Complain first to the supplier in writing and ask for a corrected invoice or payment arrangement. If the written complaint is unresolved after the required period, refer the file to the Médiateur national de l'énergie and keep paying any undisputed amount.
Read the contract, notice or policy carefully. Mark the date of receipt, the date of the event and the final date for your request. If the law gives a special deadline, the official notice and the contract may contain additional details.
2. Build a dated file
- Put the notice, contract, invoices, statements and earlier correspondence in date order.
- Add photographs, calculations, receipts or other documents that prove the facts.
- Write the exact result you seek and give a reasonable response date.
Keep the delivery proof and every reply.
3. Letter template
Subject: Disputing an energy bill in France: supplier complaint and mediator
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing about [contract, decision or reference] dated [date]. Compare the bill with meter readings, the contract, tariff and payment history. Complain first to the supplier in writing and ask for a corrected invoice or payment arrangement. If the written complaint is unresolved after the required period, refer the file to the Médiateur national de l'énergie and keep paying any undisputed amount. I ask you to review the file and confirm the correction or solution requested in the attached documents.
Yours faithfully,
[Date — Signature]
MaisonMail can print and dispatch this letter through an available registered service. Origin market, delivery time, tracking and proof of receipt are confirmed before payment.
4. If there is no satisfactory reply
If the first recipient does not resolve the matter, send a formal notice with the earlier proof and use the designated mediator, commission or administrative remedy. Do not abandon an applicable deadline while negotiating. Keep copies of the complete file.
In short: Compare the bill with meter readings, the contract, tariff and payment history. Complain first to the supplier in writing and ask for a corrected invoice or payment arrangement. If the written complaint is unresolved after the required period, refer the file to the Médiateur national de l'énergie and keep paying any undisputed amount.
Official sources
References used and links to the rules currently in force.
- Médiateur national de l'énergie (F20820)Service-Public.fr
- Réclamation auprès du fournisseur d'énergie (R13148)Service-Public.fr
Information current as of the last verification date. This guide is informational and is not legal advice — for a complex situation, consult a qualified professional.
Frequently asked questions
What should the letter contain?
Identify the parties, the relevant contract or decision, dates, precise request and attached evidence.
Does sending a complaint stop payment or a deadline?
Not automatically. Check the applicable rule and request a suspension or payment plan separately when necessary.
Why use registered mail?
It creates a dated dispatch and delivery record and preserves the content of the request.
What if the recipient does not reply?
Send a formal notice, use the competent mediator or commission, and consider court before the limitation period expires.
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