Why do you need to submit the meter readings?
The meter reading serves to measure your annual energy consumption by comparing the current meter reading with that of the previous year. Based on the readings, your energy supplier can determine exactly how much energy you have used.
The meter reading is necessary to draw up an annual statement or final invoice. The amount you pay monthly for energy is only an estimate. If your consumption costs deviate from actual costs, you'll see this on the annual statement or final invoice.
The actual consumption is also used to determine the advance amount for the following year. This prevents you from paying too much or too little each month, which then has to be corrected at the end of the year.
See our page about the energy invoices in Belgium for information about all the types of invoices you may receive.
When to submit the meter readings
In general you only need to submit the meter readings once a year. However, there are some situations where readings have to be submitted, for example:
- at the fixed opening month for the annual settlement
- if you are going to change energy supplier
- when moving house
- if the contracting party of the house changes
Meter readings on a digital energy meter
In Flanders, more and more households have a digital energy meter. One of the advantages of this type of meter is that readings are automatically passed on to the network operator. If you have a digital energy meter installed, you don't need to submit readings manually.
New digital meters even have the option of transmitting meter readings every 15 minutes. This only applies to consumers who opt for a dynamic energy contract.
Need help with your meter or contract?
Call CallMePower for free — our English-speaking advisers walk you through meter readings, EAN codes and switching suppliers.
Who will take my meter reading?
The meter readings are passed on via the responsible network operator in your region. In some cases you can submit the readings online; in others, a meter reader from the network operator comes by.
Before the readings have to be taken, you'll receive a message from the network operator. If it's possible to submit readings online, this will be indicated.
The network operators in Belgium are:
- Fluvius in Flanders
- Sibelga in Brussels
- ORES in Walloon Brabant, Est, Hainaut, Luxembourg, Mouscron, Namur and Verviers
- Resa in Liège
- AIEG in Andenne, Gesves, Ohey, Rumes and Viroinval
- AIESH in Erquelinnes, Beaumont, Froidchapelle, Sivry-Rance, Momignies, Chimay, Couvin
- REW in Wavre, Limal and Bierges
How to recognise the person taking your meter readings
An employee of the network operator can always be identified. They wear a uniform with the Fluvius (or other operator) logo and carry an official badge. They drive an official company car, never sell anything and never ask for money for their services. If you don't trust someone at your door, don't let them in.
In years when no meter reader visits you, you'll have to submit the meter reading yourself. You'll receive a letter or email from your distribution network operator asking you to complete the readings.
Not present during the meter reading
If you're not at home when the meter reader comes, a note is left with a new time. If you're not at home the second time either, a letter is sent asking you to submit the readings online yourself or make an appointment.
How to read your energy meter
Reading the meter readings is straightforward. Whether you have a single-rate electricity meter, a dual-rate electricity meter or an exclusive night meter, the readings are always clearly indicated.
If you have a digital meter installed, it's very easy to view the most up-to-date readings in Fluvius's online customer zone. The application shows all usage data for both your gas and electricity meter.
To use My Fluvius you'll need to create an account and provide the EAN codes of your energy meters. If you request the consumption history for meters not in your name, permission is first requested by letter or email from the contract holder.