- You will have to provide meter readings when asked to do so.
- German utility companies will NOT send monthly bills. They will look at the average past use of your dwelling and estimate the monthly usage. Based on that estimate they calculate an estimated monthly amount to be paid. This monthly amount is deducted automatically from your bank account every month. At the end of a billing year, they will ask for the meter reading and calculate your "actual" usage.
- The utility company will calculate your actual usage and compare that against the monthly pro-rated payments you have made. If you paid more than you used you will receive a refund, if you used more than what your payments cover, you will have to pay the balance in full. Adjustments to the monthly pro-rated amounts will generally be made at that time. An average annual electricity bill (without electric heat, without a pool/sauna, no transformers) will range from 800 to 1600 Euros. This will vary of course depending on your personal needs and family size. Your housing office can provide additional information.
- The actual reading(s) can be provided to your utility supplier via Internet (in some cases), telephone, returning the filled-out meter reading post card, or by giving the meter reading to your UTAP office for forwarding. Each electricity meter has its own unique serial number. Make sure you are reading your meter(s) and not your neighbors'.
- You need to understand that European utility companies work differently than US utility companies.
- Watch out for the annual meter reading request.
- If you fail to provide reading(s) they can use an "estimated" reading. That is something you absolutely do not want because if that estimate happens to be low and this happens 3 years in a row you will be hit with a rather large close-out bill because upon a move-out a true meter reading will be required.
Providing meter readings:
How can I provide meter readings?
What do I need to watch out for?
