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Emergency

Defective electricity meter and high additional demand: what applies?

A defective or faulty electricity meter can lead to false billings, sometimes in your favor, sometimes to your disadvantage. If there are justified doubts about the measurement, you can demand a review of the meter. An additional demand based on a faulty meter you do not have to accept without checking.

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Your chances of getting your money back

With justified doubts about the measurement accuracy, you can demand a review (finding test) of the meter. If it turns out that the meter measured incorrectly outside the tolerance, the billing must be corrected.
A plausible estimate based on the previous consumption can be permitted. But an unrealistically high additional demand you do not have to accept; when in doubt, the finding test clarifies the measurement accuracy.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check plausibility

    Compare the additional demand with your usual consumption. Conspicuous jumps are a warning sign.

  2. 2

    2. Demand a finding test

    With doubts about the measurement, you can demand a review of the meter by a competent body.

  3. 3

    3. Pay the disputed part under reservation

    Pay the undisputed part; disputed amounts only under reservation to avoid default.

  4. 4

    4. Enforce a correction

    If the test finds a meter error, demand a corrected billing and, if applicable, a refund.

How to spot the scam

  • The additional demand is far above your previous consumption.
  • A meter defect is admitted, but full billing is nonetheless made.
  • A review of the meter is refused.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay a high additional demand with a defective meter?

Not without checking. If there are justified doubts about the measurement accuracy, you can demand a finding test of the meter. An unrealistically high additional demand based on a faulty meter you do not have to accept.

How does the meter review work?

You demand a review (finding test) by a competent testing body. If it is found that the meter measured incorrectly outside the permissible tolerance, the billing must be corrected accordingly, in your favor or to your detriment.

What do I pay in the meantime?

Pay the undisputed part of your usual consumption to avoid falling into default. The disputed additional amount you can pay under reservation or withhold until the measurement accuracy is clarified.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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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.