Heating cost statement too high or wrong: how to check and reduce

Heating costs are often the largest item of the utility costs, and error-prone. Heating and hot water must be billed predominantly according to actual consumption. If the allocation is not correct, values are missing or nothing was recorded by consumption at all, you can reduce the amount.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Heating and hot water costs must be allocated at least 50 % to 70 % according to consumption (Heating Costs Ordinance). If billing is done independently of consumption, you may generally reduce your share by 15 %.

You are entitled to inspection of the documents and a comprehensible statement. Estimated consumption is permissible only in narrow exceptions.

What you should do now

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1. Make consumption plausible
Compare your consumption with the previous year and the apartment size. You should question conspicuous jumps.
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2. Check base and consumption share
Check whether the prescribed ratio (consumption-based share) is observed.
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3. Request documents
Demand inspection of the meter readings and invoices of the energy supplier to find errors.
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4. Reduce and challenge
If billing was not done correctly according to consumption, reduce your share by 15 % and challenge the statement in writing within the 12-month deadline.

How to spot the scam

Billing was not done by consumption at all, but only by area.
Your consumption is much higher than the previous year without explanation.
Meter readings are missing or only 'estimated'.

Frequently asked questions

When may I reduce the heating costs by 15 %?

If, contrary to the Heating Costs Ordinance, billing was not done (predominantly) according to consumption. Then you are entitled to a flat-rate reduction right of 15 % of your share. Challenge the statement in writing.

Are estimated consumption values allowed?

Only in exceptional cases, for example if a meter demonstrably failed. If estimates are made regularly or without cause, this can be challenged. Demand the reading documents.

By when must I challenge?

Within 12 months of receipt of the statement. After that, objections are usually excluded, provided you are responsible for the delay. So act promptly.

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.