Reading your meter
How to read your meter correctly: electricity meters, smart meters, HT/NT and gas meters explained. When to take a reading and what helps against estimates.
Learn moreCosts & savings
Calculate your instalment and back payment
Are you paying a high enough monthly instalment (Abschlag)? Enter two meter readings with their dates. The calculator projects your consumption over a year and shows the right instalment as well as a possible back payment (Nachzahlung) or credit (Guthaben).
Result
- Suitable monthly instalment
- Consumption per day
- Projected annual consumption
- Projected annual costs
- Expected back payment
- Expected credit
Would you like a specific quote? We compare the tariffs of the suppliers we work with and send you a quote as a PDF.
Request a quoteThe results are non-binding estimates for guidance only. What counts is your bill, your contract and your supplier's prices.
How it is calculated
Consumption per day = (meter reading today − meter reading at the start) ÷ number of days. Projected annual consumption = consumption per day × 365. Annual costs = annual consumption × unit price + 12 × standing charge.
The suitable monthly instalment is the annual costs divided by 12, rounded up to whole euros. The back payment or credit is the annual costs minus 12 instalments.
- You use gas and heating electricity mainly in winter. For a good projection, the meter readings should be at least six months apart, ideally a year.
- You can ask your supplier to adjust your instalment – usually online in the customer portal.
Worked example: electricity one year after the last bill
On 1 October 2025, the meter showed 12,000 kWh, and on 1 October 2026 it showed 14,500 kWh. That is 2,500 kWh in 365 days, or 6.85 kWh a day. At 33 ct/kWh and a standing charge of €13 a month, this costs €981 a year. The suitable instalment would be €82 a month. If you only pay €70, you should expect a back payment of around €141.
- Suitable monthly instalment: €82
- Projected annual consumption: 2,500 kWh
- Expected back payment: €141.00
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my instalment myself?
You can ask your supplier for an adjustment if your consumption changes significantly. Many suppliers let you do this online in the customer portal.
Why is my projection so high?
If the meter readings only cover the winter, the calculator projects the high winter consumption onto the whole year. This mainly affects gas and heating electricity.
Which is better: a credit or a back payment?
A small credit is a good reserve. A very large credit means that you have lent the supplier money unnecessarily. The aim is an instalment that reflects your consumption well.
Related topics
Understanding your bill
How to read your electricity and gas bill: unit price, standing charge, monthly instalments, 2026 price components, mandatory details and what to do about errors.
Learn moreWhen money is tight
Cannot pay your electricity or gas bill? How to adjust monthly instalments, agree an instalment plan, prevent disconnection and find free help and advice.
Learn moreEnergy costs calculator
What does your tariff really cost? From consumption, unit price and standing charge, the calculator works out your annual costs, the monthly amount and your average price per kilowatt hour.
Open the calculatorGet personal advice
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