Everyday money · Jurisdiction DE

Energy bill instalments

Instalments are payments toward the expected yearly use of electricity or gas. The annual bill sets them against actual use.

In more detail

An instalment is not a quantity of energy of its own. It estimates the year, often from last year's use and the price. The bill subtracts the instalments paid from the calculated amount for the year. A credit or an extra payment is that difference. The Federal Network Agency explains how bills in the energy market are built. Finmon does not read a bill.

Background

Unit price, standing charge, use and the meter reading are different lines. An extra payment can come from use, from the price or from instalments that were too low. It is not automatically a new contract. Someone who cannot place a bill finds a place at a consumer advice centre and, within its remit, at the Federal Network Agency. Finmon names no supplier.

An example

You pay an instalment for eleven months. In the twelfth month the bill arrives with the meter reading. If use is above the estimate, an extra payment arises. If it is below, a credit arises. The instalment itself was only the rate.

A common misconception

The monthly instalment is the measured use.

It is an estimate. Only the annual bill sets the meter reading against it.

Source: Bundesnetzagentur · Preise und Abschläge. Last reviewed: 2026-10-29. Editorially reviewed on 2026-10-29. Next review 2027-10-29. Version 0.2.0. Finmon explains. It does not advise. Not investment, tax or legal advice.