Business Talk: Backdating

For the ever-punctual business owner and taxpayer, any abrupt billing statement can be quite a nuisance. Several reasons might explain why you suddenly have a charge when you are up to date with payments. That might be the case of backdating. 

Backdating is a process where a company charges you for energy consumption on a billing date that has already passed. Companies usually perform this practice on checks, contracts, and other financial documents. 

Backdating is not the most legal of practices out there, and it is clear to see why. Any company that does so can face legal charges if they cannot justify the action. However, there is a slight chance that backdating can become legal. But all involved parties must agree to it. They should also consider the situation behind the potential transaction. A company can backdate a bill up to twelve months. The charge cannot go beyond that anymore. 

Here are some reasons why you can receive a backdate bill: 

• A company suddenly decides to increase its supply prices.
• Your actions cause irregularities, making accurate billing impossible.
• You choose to block or ignore meter readings at home or in your business setting.

You have to contact your energy supplier immediately if you receive a backdating bill. Although a company can backdate any time they wish, they should not go over the twelve-month limit. You can take action if they still ask for the total amount.

Avoiding Backdated Bills

You can take a couple of steps to avoid getting backdating bills. Here are some of them:

• You can go ahead and pay your bills on time. Any delays in payments can cause backdating bills. 
• Provide a financial statement to your energy supplier once each day.
• Purchase and install a smart meter for your setting. Such a component can handle accurate readings without any human assistance or interaction.

Often comes a time when you find yourself unable to pay for any backdated bills if you ever have one. If that happens to be the case, you can take several steps to tackle the problem. The first thing you could do is talk with your energy supplier. You can discuss any possible payment methods. Doing so allows you to take some time and work to get the money required for the backdating bill. You can also sell any unused business assets lying around. Perhaps several pieces of equipment are in your storage area. You are not using them anyway, so why not make a profit and sell them instead? That lets you take a step closer to getting rid of the backdated bill.

Switching Companies

Some energy suppliers nowadays have ridiculous prices. Others do not have decent customer service. Most business owners only experience one of these instances. However, it might be a different tale for those who experience both. If you are one of those individuals, it might be time for you to switch to a new energy supplier. A recent study shows that transitioning from your old supplier to a new one has many merits. You can take advantage of any time at all. 

You have the power to deal with such an endeavor. It allows you to learn how the process works. But if you find yourself not having any time to do the transition, better get some help. That is where a utility bidder comes in to lend you a hand. It is a service that finds all the sweet and neat energy deals that companies offer. 

A utility bidder does this task, so you do not have to do it at all. Not only that but getting a utility bidder also has several perks. A utility bidder:

• Searches for any possible opportunities for your business to grow
• Locates new ways to improve your energy efficiency
• Deals with all the paperwork and negotiations if you choose to transition from your current provider to another
• Offer other energy-related services

Additional Reading

You might still have some questions. You may wish to find out more about how energy works and how a utility bidder can give you some assistance. The internet might have other answers that you may seek regarding energy, backdating, and how long can an energy company backdate a bill. We are fortunate enough to have an online platform to access information with no issues at all.

To Summarize Things

A backdating bill is something you should take care of immediately if ever you receive one. As the concept is not entirely legal, it would be best to contact your energy supplier who procured the document. You have the right to discuss it with them and see if it is acceptable or not. You can also perform a lot of steps to avoid getting such a bill at all.

Anne Cruz

Administrator