Adjusting the electricity or gas installment: lowering an overly high advance payment

The monthly installment is an advance payment on your energy consumption. It must be based on the realistically expected consumption. If it is set clearly too high, for example because your consumption has fallen, you can demand an adjustment instead of advancing the supplier money interest-free.

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Your chances of getting your money back

The installment must be based on the expected annual consumption and may not be set unreasonably high. If your consumption falls or the billing turns out significantly lower, you can demand an adjustment.

An installment that is too low leads to high additional payments, one that is too high to unnecessary advance payment. A realistic adjustment protects against both. Document the expected consumption with meter readings or the last billing.

What you should do now

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1. Determine the consumption
Compare your actual consumption (meter readings, last billing) with the set installment.
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2. Demand an adjustment
If the installment is clearly too high, demand in writing that the supplier adjust it to the actual consumption.
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3. Enclose proof
Document your expected consumption with meter readings or previous-year values.
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4. Reclaim credit
With a billing showing high credit, demand a prompt payout instead of a mere offsetting.

How to spot the scam

The installment is greatly increased without reference to the actual consumption.
Credit from the annual billing is not paid out, but only offset.
The supplier postpones the adjustment despite demonstrably reduced consumption.

Frequently asked questions

May the supplier set the installment as it pleases?

No. The installment must be based on the expected annual consumption and may not be unreasonably high. If it is set clearly too high, you can demand an adjustment to the actual consumption.

How do I lower an installment that is too high?

Demand in writing that the supplier make an adjustment and document your expected consumption with meter readings or the last billing. The supplier must then recalculate the installment realistically.

What about credit from the billing?

Credit from the annual billing is owed to you. You can demand the payout instead of having it only offset against future installments. At the same time, make sure the new installment does not become too low, to avoid later additional payments.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.