Preliminarily it should be noted that to dispute the amounts of electricity, gas and other utilities bills, it is not necessary to contact a lawyer. In fact, an attempt must be made in advance to resolve the issue amicably. In these sectors, not surprisingly, the preventive attempt at conciliation is mandatory. So much so that if the party has not tried an amicable agreement before, the judge suspends the judgment giving the parties a term to reconcile. Excluding, therefore, the judicial way as the first viable way, let’s move on to understand how to proceed, with our means, to carry out the dispute. First of all, you can make a first attempt by contacting customer service.
This step is not mandatory, but will be used to obtain the first information and the necessary clarifications. All this could also be useful in the event of a future dispute. As it stands, the telephone conversation cannot be used in the process, as it is a simple interview. However, if you register it, it may be useful. The second step to dispute the bill is sending a communication of grievance or complaint, to be sent by registered letter or by pec. In it, the user must formalize their complaints.
The registered office is usually indicated in each bill or invoice received. Once the customer’s letter has been received, the supplying company is obliged to reply within a reasonable time. Prior to this reply, users cannot be suspended even in the event of default. Once the negative response from the company has been received, the user must go through the formal compulsory conciliation procedure.
Attempt at conciliation
Therefore, in answering the question: “how to contest the amounts of electricity, gas and other utilities”, we are responding, indicating the steps to follow. The first formal externalization of dissent is represented by the experiment of the obligatory attempt at conciliation. It represents a necessary step in order to eventually sue the company.
Depending on the type of bill, there is a different competent authority. For example, as regards disputes over energy, water and gas, it is necessary to contact the conciliation body of Arera, which is the Guarantor Authority for these users. Instead, for telephone users, one must contact the regional conciliation bodies, called Co.re.com. In this case, however, it is possible, alternatively, to contact Conciliaweb, the platform of the Communications Guarantee Authority (AgCom). It deals with the resolution of disputes between users and telephony operators.
Here, too, the procedure takes place entirely online and via video conference. The attempt at mediation aims to find an understanding between the parties. If, however, the attempt fails, it will be possible to appeal to the judge. It should be reiterated that the attempt at conciliation is required by law. Without it, judicial appeal is not possible. For bills up to € 1,100, it is possible to appeal to the Justice of the Peace, even defending oneself personally, that is, without the presence of a lawyer.
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