Switching your metering service: notice periods, devices and data handover — step by step

Since new devices have been required to have open interfaces, choosing a metering service is no longer a decision for eternity. Nevertheless, many owners’ associations stay with their provider — not out of conviction, but because switching seems complicated. This article shows how it works in practice and where the typical pitfalls lie.

Step 1: Understand the contracts

The first step is to look at the documents. In many properties there is not one contract but two: the service contract for reading and billing and — if the devices are rented — a device rental contract. Each has its own term and notice period.

Typical terms for billing contracts are between one and five years; for device rental, often ten years. The notice period is usually three to twelve months to the end of the term; if you miss it, the contract is frequently extended automatically.

Step 2: Clarify the devices

The most important question for the switch is who owns the devices. If the association has bought them and they are remotely readable and interoperable, the new metering service can usually simply continue to read them. If they are rented, they remain the property of the previous provider.

Replacements that are due anyway should be considered together: if the device rental ends or calibration periods expire, the device replacement can be combined with the change of provider. Conversely, anyone who has additional devices retrofitted by the old provider shortly before the switch often ties themselves in for another ten years.

Step 3: Compare quotes and pass a resolution

Quotes are only comparable if they show the same items separately: device rental or purchase, reading, billing, consumption information and, where applicable, changes of user. In an owners’ association, the owners decide on the switch by resolution; the property management prepares the decision.

Step 4: Give notice on time

Notice is given in writing or in text form, depending on the contract, and in such a way that receipt can be proven. Both contracts must be terminated separately if both are to be ended. Many metering services — including us — support the property management with this.

Step 5: Hand over the data

For the first statement from the new provider to follow on seamlessly, it needs the master data of the property and the readings on the reference date. Without reference-date readings, consumption could not be cleanly separated between the old and the new provider.

A statutory obligation to hand over all data is not expressly laid down; it arises mainly from the contract. When concluding a new contract, it is therefore worth stipulating from the outset that data will be handed over in an open format.

The right timing

The easiest option is to switch at the end of a billing period, i.e. at the turn of the year in most buildings. The previous provider bills the last year in full, and the new one starts with a clear reference date. A switch in the middle of the year is possible, but requires an interim reading and an apportionment of the costs.

What switching costs

The ongoing costs of device rental, reading, billing and consumption information remain operating costs and are passed on as before. If the association buys new devices, the purchase costs are not operating costs — they are financed from the maintenance reserve or by a special levy.

Checklist

1. 1Terms and notice periods of both contracts noted?
2. 2Devices: purchased or rented, remotely readable, interoperable, calibration periods?
3. 3At least two quotes with separately listed items?
4. 4Resolution passed at the owners’ meeting?
5. 5Notice sent on time and with proof of delivery?
6. 6Reference date set and data handover agreed?
7. 7Residents informed about appointments for any device replacement?

Why the retrofitting deadline at the end of 2026 raises the question of provider is explained in the article Radio meter obligation 2027.

This article is intended as general guidance and does not replace legal advice in individual cases, in particular not the review of the specific contracts. As of: September 2026.