Contracts for lighting and water at higher costs, such as gas uncovered gas fraud. How to defend yourself

At this point, several consumer associations are entering the game with regard to gas bills after the fraud revealed by the hyena. But, along with that, there are reports of crazy stories with larger amounts of water and light. And consumer associations are moving. But besides, it is useful to know by itself what are the rules and how to defend and behave in these cases.

How many times has it happened to receive a disproportionate bill compared to actual consumption? Was user use common because the meter records abnormal numbers? And in these cases, what should I do? Can the meter data be contested? The problem is obviously delicate, because household, light or gas utilities refer to what is indicated in the consumption meter, which can not be manipulated in any way without leaving any trace. How to move? How much do the meter complete testing?

Is it the real counter or not?

At a closer inspection, this is a more widespread situation than it seems. How many times have I heard the story of a friend or have I read the story of those who, on their return from a longer or less long absence, found the electricity, gas or water meter with an increase in consumption? Or, even more clearly, have we been able to deliver a bill much higher than the previous one? Even if the manager refers to the data contained in the meter, he may think that there may be an error and therefore valid reasons for challenging operators' payment requests for light and case.

And it is not a coincidence that it took very little to send the judge's question. The Latina Court expressed itself in a case-law judgment. The positive news for the consumer is that the counter is not a complete proof. It is indeed a so-called relative presumption, that is, those which are the object of contrary evidence and can be overthrown. However, it is up to the user to prove otherwise, otherwise the consumption of the meter is assumed to be correct. Here's another question: how do you prove it, considering that only an authorized technician is able to intervene?

Who is responsible for proving the correct operation of the meter?

Now, the Latin Court decision comes into play, according to which the user does not have to prove the malfunction of the meter, but it is enough to have a reasonable suspicion that it does not work. At that time, the user management company will have to verify the case. It is up to you to demonstrate the correct operation and the correspondence between the data provided and those shown in the consumer bill.