Energy Bills Explained: 7 Things Ofgem Says Must Be on Every Bill
Did you know your energy bill isn’t just a company statement but it’s a regulated document? Here’s a quick breakdown of what you should see on every compliant energy bill and why each element matters.
Direct answer
An Ofgem-compliant UK energy bill should include seven required elements under Standard Licence Condition 31H, including supply numbers, usage comparison, tariff details, complaint info, Citizens Advice contact, and whether readings are estimated or actual.
Is Your Energy Bill Ofgem-Compliant? Here’s How to Check
Your energy bill isn’t just a piece of paper, it’s protected by Ofgem rules. Every UK energy supplier has a legal duty to make sure your bill follows Ofgem’s Standard Licence Condition 31H.
That means every bill should clearly show specific pieces of information designed to keep things fair, transparent, and easy to understand.
So take two minutes to check: is your energy bill Ofgem-compliant?
🔍 Why It Matters
Your energy bill isn’t just about how much you owe, it’s about knowing what you’re paying for and why. Ofgem introduced these rules to make sure every household can:
- Understand their energy usage
- Compare tariffs easily
- Spot billing errors early
- Know their rights when things go wrong
⚡ The 7 Key Elements of an Ofgem-Compliant Energy Bill
According to Standard Licence Condition 31H, every domestic supplier must include the following seven elements on your bill.
1. Your Supply Number (MPAN or MPRN)
This is your unique energy fingerprint.
- Electricity supply numbers are 13 digits long (MPAN).
- Gas supply numbers are usually 6–10 digits (MPRN).
It tells your supplier exactly which property and meter the bill applies to.
✅ Check: It’s usually shown near your meter details or payment summary.
2. Your Usage vs. Last Year’s
If you’ve been with your supplier for over a year, they must show your current usage compared to the previous year. This helps you understand if your household is using more or less energy, and whether you’re due a tariff review.
✅ Check: Look for a small chart or text line like:
“Your electricity use this year: 3,250 kWh vs last year: 3,100 kWh.”
3. A QR Code or Optical Label
That small square on your bill isn’t just decoration, it’s called an Optical Label. It contains machine-readable billing data such as your tariff, usage, and supplier information. This makes it easy for tools and apps (like Taupia) to read your data instantly.
✅ Check: Try scanning it, it should open structured data, not just a website homepage.
4. About Your Tariff
This section tells you what plan you’re on and how you’re being charged. It should include:
- Tariff name
- Fixed or variable type
- Unit rate (pence per kWh)
- Standing charge (daily fixed fee)
✅ Check: This section should literally be titled “About Your Tariff” or something very similar.
5. Complaint and Dispute Information
Your supplier must tell you how to raise a complaint, including how to contact them, what happens next, and where to go if it’s not resolved.
✅ Look for: A short section with “How to contact us” or “Complaints and Disputes,” often with contact details.
6. Contact Details for Citizens Advice
Every supplier has to include details for Citizens Advice, the UK’s official source of independent energy help. They offer free guidance if you’re struggling with billing, debt, or disputes.
7. Estimated or Actual Usage
Your bill must say whether your readings are estimated or actual. If your smart meter hasn’t sent a reading, the bill may be based on an estimate, which could be higher or lower than your real use.
✅ Check: If it says “Estimated Reading”, submit a manual reading to correct it.
⚠️ When These Rules Don’t Fully Apply
A few exceptions exist:
- Small suppliers (under 50,000 customers)
- Final bills when you switch
- Bills covering multiple meters
Even then, your supplier must make charges clear and accurate.
💡 Why This Matters for You
- A compliant bill = clear, fair pricing
- Helps you compare tariffs confidently
- Ensures no hidden fees or missing data
- Builds trust between you and your supplier
And with tools like Taupia, you can automatically detect missing data or compliance gaps, making it easier to stay informed and save.
✅ Take Two Minutes Today
Grab your latest energy bill and go through this checklist or upload it onto Taupia. Ask Taupia:
“Does my bill show all seven Ofgem-required elements?”
If not, contact your supplier and ask them to explain why. Transparency is your right, and your energy bill should prove it.
At Taupia, we are helping UK households take control of their energy data with confidence.
Key takeaways
- Ofgem rules require seven key elements on domestic energy bills.
- Bills must show supply numbers, tariff details, and whether readings are estimated or actual.
- The optical label helps apps read your billing data accurately.
Frequently asked questions
What is the optical label on my bill?
It is a QR code that contains structured billing data like your tariff and usage.
Are there exceptions to the seven required elements?
Yes. Small suppliers, final bills, or bills covering multiple meters can have exceptions, but charges must still be clear.
Where do I find my MPAN or MPRN?
It is usually listed near your meter details or payment summary on the bill.