Single Rate Meter Electricity in Belgium

In Belgium there are several types of electricity meters. The single rate meter is one of them. In this energy guide the Belgian comparator CallMePower gives you all the information about the single meter for electricity.

What Is A Single Rate Electricity Meter?

A single electricity meter always charges the same amount per kWh for electricity, regardless of the part of the day. During off-peak and peak hours, during the week and during the weekend, you always pay the same rate with this type of electricity meter . This rate is also referred to as the single energy rate.

The single meter has only one counter, unlike the dual rate meter. Because no distinction is made between the parts of the day with this type of meter, the meter adds up all the consumption.

Do I Have A Single Rate Meter?

Not sure which electricity meter you have? A single rate electricity meter is easy to recognize by the single counter that can be found on the device. If there are two different counters on the meter, you are dealing with a dual electricity meter.

It may also be that an additional electricity meter has been installed that can only be used during off-peak hours, also known as the night-only meter. This type of meter is mainly found in homes with storage heating.

Advantages Single Meter Electricity

The kWh price for a single meter is generally in between the rates for a dual meter, although this can vary per supplier. The use of a single meter can be interesting for households that:

• live in a relatively small house and have limited living space;
• consume electricity mainly during the day;
• own solar panels.

Switching To And From Single Rate Meter

To know if you need to switch to a dual electricity meter, there is a simple rule: record the meter readings daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (or 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. depending on your place of residence / municipality) for 15 days. Then calculate the amount of power consumed during the day. Do this also for the hours during the night and weekends.

Based on these meter readings, you can conclude the following:

1. If you consume more than 50% of your electricity during off-peak hours and weekends, it may be interesting to switch to the dual energy tariff.
2. If you use more than 30% of your electricity during off-peak hours and weekends, but you already have a dual meter installed, it is advisable in most cases to keep it.

A single meter is suitable for consumers who use little power or who mainly use electrical equipment during the day. However, it is always advisable to make a comparison based on your energy consumption to find out what the most advantageous rate is for your situation.

Procedures For Installing Or Changing Electric Meter

If you are building a new house, you will need to install an electric meter. If you move into an older home, you might need to change the meter. And if your consumption habits change, you might want to change the meter. In all cases, the request will be submitted to your Distribution Supply Network Operator.

In Belgium, regardless of the network operator, the installation procedure for your electricity meter is the same:

1. You make the connection request, receive and approve the quote issued by your network manager
2. You carry out prep work on your property
3. Before installing the meter, you must contract with an energy supplier (of your choice), your network operator will give you the EAN code to use for your contract
4. The network operator instals your meter and opens your electricity connection

As for changing the electricity meter, the request can come from you, or it can be imposed on you by your network operator if your meter is no longer supported or up to standards. Below are some cases in which electricity meters might require changing:

• Replacement of an obsolete meter
• Changing a single rater meter to a dual rate meter
• Installation of an exclusively night meter
• Relocation of a meter within the home

If you make the request, the procedure will be the same as for a new connection. If the network operator is requesting the change, then you do not have to take any action. They will contact you directly and do all the necessary work.

Is A Single Rate Meter Cheaper?

This depends entirely on your energy consumption and the electricity price per kWh of your current energy contract. If your consumption is much higher during off-peak hours than during peak hours, a dual energy meter is probably a lot more attractive. However, if you have a high consumption during peak hours, a single meter can be more interesting again.

End Of The Single Rate Electricity Meter

Nowadays, there is no distinction between off-peak and peak-hours in the grid tariffs in Flanders. This means that this part of the energy invoice will be the same during all hours. This change in Flanders has been made because of the introduction of the capacity tariff and digital energy meters. In Wallonia and Brussels the distinction is still being made, but this might also change in the future.

Although the network tariffs remain the same during the day, the energy suppliers can still charge different prices for off-peak and peak hours. However, several energy suppliers have already opted to charge the same rate for all hours.