Electricity bill: Why do I have to pay extra?

You paid for electricity every month. But your supplier's annual bill asks you to pay more. This is not necessarily a mistake, but you should check the calculation.

What is a Stromabrechnung?

A Stromabrechnung is an electricity bill for a specific period. Your supplier compares the charges with the payments you already made.

An Abschlag is a regular advance payment towards expected costs. You usually pay it monthly. The amount depends on your tariff and expected usage. Germany's Federal Network Agency explains how advance payments are calculated.

If your payments did not cover the charges, you owe a Nachzahlung: an additional payment. If you paid more than the charges, you have a Guthaben: a credit the supplier owes you.

An additional payment does not necessarily mean you missed a monthly payment. Higher electricity usage or a price increase can also cause it.

What does this letter contain?

Check these four parts:

• Contract and billing period: Your name, supply address and customer number should match your contract. Also check the meter number. The billing period does not necessarily match the calendar year.
• Usage: The bill shows opening and closing meter readings, plus usage in kilowatt-hours. A kilowatt-hour, or kWh, measures the amount of electricity used. The supplier must state where the readings came from.
• Prices: The Arbeitspreis is the price for each kilowatt-hour you use. The Grundpreis is a fixed charge, independent of usage. Check the prices for the relevant parts of the billing period.
• Payments and balance: The supplier deducts your advance payments from the charges. Check the remaining amount and payment date. A new Abschlag applies to future payments.

The law lists the information an energy bill must contain.

Do I need to do anything?

Yes: read the whole bill, including the following pages. Gather your contract, price notices, payment records and any meter photographs you have.

Compare the advance payments listed with the amounts you actually paid. If your contract includes a bonus, check its conditions. A bonus is a promised discount or payment, often subject to conditions.

Does the word "geschätzt" appear next to your usage? It means the figure was estimated rather than based on a suitable actual reading. Estimated usage is allowed only under certain conditions. The supplier must state the reason and basis for the estimate.

If the figures raise questions, take a current meter reading and note the date. Today's reading is not automatically the reading at the end of the billing period.

Report a specific error in writing and ask for a corrected bill. Include your customer number, the bill date and the disputed item. On request, your supplier must explain the calculation clearly and free of charge.

A complaint alone does not mean you can delay payment. Special rules on objections apply to Grundversorgung. Grundversorgung means basic supply from the local provider under statutory rules. Consumer advice can help if you are unsure.

What deadlines apply?

Payment: Check the date on the bill. Under energy law, payment becomes due no earlier than two weeks after you receive the payment request. The date you receive it matters, not just the date printed on the bill.

Annual bill: The supplier must provide it within six weeks after the billing period ends. A late bill does not, by itself, cancel the payment claim.

Complaint: The company must answer a consumer complaint within four weeks after receiving it. Energy law sets this deadline. The deadline for a response does not automatically extend your payment deadline.

If the supplier rejects your complaint or gives no answer within four weeks, Schlichtungsstelle Energie may help resolve the dispute. This independent organisation helps consumers and suppliers reach an agreement.

What happens if I do nothing?

An overdue unpaid amount can lead to reminders and additional costs. A Mahnung is a demand to pay an overdue amount.

An additional payment does not mean your electricity will immediately be cut off. Disconnection requires further legal conditions and advance notices.

If you cannot afford the payment, contact your supplier early to discuss paying in instalments. Instalments let you repay a debt in several parts.

To understand the extra payment, compare usage, prices and payments already made. Keep a written record of your questions and the supplier's replies.

Sources

Sources checked on 11 November 2026.

• Federal Network Agency: calculating and changing advance payments
• Section 40 EnWG: required information and explanations in energy bills
• Section 40a EnWG: determining usage and estimated readings
• Section 40c EnWG: billing and payment deadlines
• Section 17 StromGVV: payment and objections under basic supply
• Section 111a EnWG: deadline for answering a consumer complaint
• Federal Network Agency: complaints and dispute resolution
• Federal Network Agency: checking bills and disconnection conditions