Prevent double current invoices: Tips for consumers in Hamm

Prevent double current invoices: Tips for consumers in Hamm

The introduction of digital electricity meters not only brings technological progress, but also potential financial pitfalls for consumers.

The challenge by digital electricity meters

In the coming years, the electricity billing could change significantly for many households. From 2032, digital electricity meters should replace traditional analog counters. This technical changeover means that additional costs can arise, which has so far often remained unnoticed. This applies in particular to consumers who switch to digital meters.

The role of the measuring point operator

A central player in this new billing system is the measuring point operator. This is responsible for installation, maintenance and operation of the digital meters. However, this means for consumers that they often have to expect additional bills. The Consumer Center North Rhine -Westphalia points out that these invoices are automatically created without a new contract to be signed. So it is due to the households to proactively find out about the new conditions and possible costs.

Cost structure of the digital meters

The costs for the use of digital meters are regulated by law and must comply with a certain framework. For simple digital electricity meters, the annual costs can be a maximum of 20 euros gross. In the case of intelligent measuring systems (smart meters), however, the fees can be higher, especially if consumers choose an alternative measuring point operator. In such cases, the costs can be determined by the provider itself, which increases the risk that the overall calculation will increase unexpectedly.

Possible exceptions

However, there are some exceptions in which consumers should not receive a double bill. This includes cases in which the measuring point operator and the electricity supplier are identical or if the consumer authorizes the electricity provider to regulate the settlement directly with the measuring point operator. Households that only use basic services are usually exempt from additional costs, since the costs are included in the electricity bill.

Prevention of double costs

In order to avoid unexpected additional costs, consumers should check their bills carefully and, if necessary, switch to another measuring point operator. In this case, the electricity supplier is obliged to create a transparent invoice without fees for measuring points, which can bring valuable savings. In addition, the consumer advice center recommends being very attentive when reading the electricity meter in order to avoid errors.

summarized for all affected households, it is of great importance to understand and actively act the new regulations and conditions in connection with digital current meters in order to keep their costs under control. Switching to digital electricity counters brings advantages in billing, but also requires attention and a certain amount of personal responsibility from consumers.