Published October 19, 2025
October is the perfect time to review your energy contract and clarify housing charges. Many expats find estimated bills, advance payments, and annual adjustments confusing. Here's how to read your statements, compare offers, and secure payments before the cold sets in.
You've moved in (or completed a first year) and the big bills arrive: electricity, gas, district heating, water. Between estimates, meter indexes, subscriptions, and local taxes, it's hard to tell what's normal and what isn't.
Estimated vs actual readings: many suppliers alternate estimates and real reads. An annual 'true-up' reconciles the difference.
Monthly advances: you pay a smoothed amount based on your past use or a standard profile.
District/collective heat: if your building has shared heating, part of building charges covers energy and maintenance; sometimes an individual allocator tracks your share.
Network fees / taxes: separate from the supplier; this is why two offers can look similar yet differ in final price.
Estimated vs actual readings: many suppliers alternate estimates and real reads. An annual 'true-up' reconciles the difference.
Monthly advances: you pay a smoothed amount based on your past use or a standard profile.
District/collective heat: if your building has shared heating, part of building charges covers energy and maintenance; sometimes an individual allocator tracks your share.
Network fees / taxes: separate from the supplier; this is why two offers can look similar yet differ in final price.
1. Read your meters: take a dated photo (electricity/gas/water). Most providers accept online submissions.
2. List power-hungry devices: space heaters, tumble dryer, cooktop, water heater.
3. Gather documents: lease (with/without utilities), last bill, IBAN (SEPA), occupancy attestation if asked. If you need help setting up your local bank account, check our banking guide.
4. Compare offers: check monthly subscription, kWh price, indexation (fixed/variable), contract length, customer support.
5. Check payment setup: SEPA direct debit, monthly plan, dispute window.
Step 1 – Reading: photograph your electricity (day/night if dual tariff) and gas meters.
Step 2 – Simulation: enter estimated annual use (or current indexes) into 2–3 comparison tools; shortlist two realistic offers (12-month plan, English-speaking support if needed).
Step 3 – Sign-up: complete it online. The new supplier usually cancels the old one for you (no outage). Set up your monthly payment schedule.
Step 4 – Follow-up: activate your online account and any over-consumption alerts.
Recoverable charges: elevator, common-area cleaning, collective heat, cold/hot water depending on building.
Non-recoverable: major works, property management fees.
Advance vs annual adjustment: you pay monthly advances; once a year the landlord reconciles actuals. Ask for a breakdown if differences are large. If you're renewing your lease this autumn, check our lease renewal guide for negotiation tips.
• A thermometer/hygrometer (≈€10–15) helps you avoid overheating.
• Clear space around radiators and bleed them if needed (water heating).
• Lids + electric kettle = quick wins in the kitchen.
• In apartments, watch the reading schedule posted in the lobby.
• If you're still setting up your home, review our complete renting guide for more housing essentials.
In most cases, no: the new supplier handles the paperwork. You provide a starting meter reading and your contact/billing details.
Compare kWh to the same months last year, check peak-hour usage, and hunt for devices left on (space heater, always-on water tank).
Often not. Ask for the detailed list: some items remain individual (in-unit electricity, internet).
For more practical insights on this topic, explore our related articles:
Conclusion: This October, invest 60 minutes: read your meters, compare two offers, lock your payment plan, and review building charges. You'll enter winter with clear, manageable bills.
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Jules Guerini is a European expat guide sharing practical, tested advice for navigating life abroad. From admin to housing to healthcare, he focuses on simple strategies that actually work. Contact: info@expatadminhub.com
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