Before approving an electricity invoice, a structured checklist helps catch costly errors. This article covers the key fields to verify: capacity peak, indexation, EAN, billing period, volume, and tariff logic. Use it monthly to build a repeatable control routine. For a more comprehensive 12-point checklist, see our Belgian SME energy invoice checklist. When you find an error, our dispute guide explains how to escalate with evidence.
1. Capacity and peak
Check the stated peak (kW) against your expected range. If you have interval data from your DSO (Fluvius, ORES, Sibelga, Resa), compare. Look for the capacity line (capactarief, piek, puissance souscrite) and the €/kW rate. A peak that seems too high may warrant a dispute with your supplier-use the 15-minute curve as evidence.
What to look for
- Stated peak in kW
- €/kW rate
- Alignment with prior months
Red flags
- Peak far above your main breaker or transformer rating
- Peak that jumped without any operational change
- Capacity line in a different section than usual
2. Indexation
If your contract is variable, verify that indexation was applied correctly. Check the index value and the reference period (e.g. Belpex for electricity). The applied formula should match your contract. Our electricity contract indexation guide explains how to validate this step by step.
electricity contract indexation guide.
What to look for
- Index name
- Reference date or period
- Published index value
- Calculated unit price
Red flags
- Index reference period that does not match the contract
- Unit price change with no documented index update
- Formula or index name different from contract
3. EAN and meter
Confirm the EAN (18 digits) matches your site. A wrong EAN can mean you are paying for another meter or that data is mismatched. Check the billing period aligns with the meter read dates-no gaps or overlaps with the prior invoice.
What to look for
- 18-digit EAN
- Period start/end
- Meter reference
Red flags
- EAN that changed without a site move or meter change
- Billing period with gaps or overlaps
- Meter ID that does not match your contract
4. Volume (kWh)
Compare consumption to the previous period and to your expectations. A sudden jump may indicate a meter issue, a new load, or an error. A drop with no explanation (e.g. holiday closure) can also signal a period or meter problem.
What to look for
- Total kWh
- Block breakdown if applicable
- Comparison to prior month
Red flags
- >20% swing without operational explanation
- Consumption that does not align with meter read dates
- Day/night or block breakdown that does not add up
5. Tariff structure
Ensure the tariff blocks (day/night, etc.) match your contract. Verify that the unit prices align with your agreed rates. If your contract is fixed, the energy component should not change; if variable, indexation should explain any change.
What to look for
- Block names and boundaries
- Unit prices per block
- Standing charge
Red flags
- Tariff blocks that do not match your connection type
- Unit prices that differ from contract without indexation explanation
- Standing charges that changed without contract amendment
6. Sample discrepancy table
| Field | Expected | Billed | Difference (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indexation reference | Belpex Aug-24 | Belpex Jul-24 | +€180 |
This format makes dispute submission clear and speeds up supplier response. Attach the table to your first dispute email with contract excerpt and invoice reference.
7. Build the habit
Run this checklist every month before approval. Document any anomalies with € impact and cause. Escalate with evidence-see our dispute guide for the step-by-step workflow. For a complete overview of the capacity tariff and how it appears on your invoice, read our capacity tariff Belgium guide. For the full 12-point control routine, use our Belgian SME energy invoice checklist. capacity tariff Belgium guide. Belgian SME energy invoice checklist.
Key takeaways
- 1. Check capacity peak, indexation, EAN, volume, and tariff every month.
- 2. Red flags: peak too high, wrong period, index mismatch, unexplained kWh swing.
- 3. Log anomalies with € impact in a discrepancy table for dispute readiness.
- 4. Use the 12-point checklist and dispute guide for deeper control.