Metering charges and charges for meter reading

The metering charge compensates the system operator for the costs which are directly attributable to the installation and operation of meters, calibration and data collection. If system users provide their meters themselves, the metering charge is reduced accordingly.

Meter reading charge

Meter readings take place annually – apart from those of load meters, which are read monthly. Annual meter readings are covered by the metering charge, while an additional charge of 8 €/month can be applied for monthly meter reading. This additional charge must be itemised on the bill.

Metering charge

The charges for metering services are ceilings and vary according to the type of meter used. System operators may only charge adequate prices. If consumers provide load meters themselves, the metering charge is reduced accordingly. System operators must publish the metering charges they apply in an appropriate manner, e.g. on the Internet.

If system operators install, remove or replace meters or subcontract a company for these services, they must first give you a cost estimate. System operators must install meters in a non-discriminatory and cost-reflective way. If the installation costs for the meter(s) at a metering point exceed € 200, customers may choose between a single payment and payment in instalments. Customers may not be charged for installations or removals that take place in the course of repairs or recalibrations by the system operator.

The monthly charge for lending, operating and calibrating meters may not exceed 1.5% of the value of the devices. As gas pressure regulators are a part of the network, no metering charge applies for them.

Ceilings apply for functionality checks of metering equipment that is owned by the system operator, if the system user has requested that such a check take place. These charges only apply if the metering equipment turns out to be in order.

Billing for system charges

Bills must be issued no later than eight weeks after the meter reading for the relevant billing period. Where a supplier also bills its customers for the system charges, the system operator must submit the invoice for the system charges to the supplier within three weeks. System operators must publish the metering charges they apply in an appropriate manner, e.g. on the Internet.

 

On our German pages, you'll find the ceilings for functionality checks of meterin equipment and those that generally apply for the different types of metering equipment.