Understanding your electricity bill: smart meter & Akonto

Invoice types

Two billing logics – depending on the meter

With a smart meter, we bill you for your actual consumption. Without a smart meter, the existing model with advance payments and an annual bill remains in place.

Since September 2024, BKW has been installing a new generation of smart meters. By the end of 2027, all customers will receive a new smart meter. Until then, billing depends on whether a smart meter has already been installed at your metering point.

To the online customer centre

Invoice in detail

You will find these sections on your bill

The most important items are similar for both types of invoice – the billing logic differs.

Household meters are usually read once a year. The timing depends on the residential address.

Previous schema

How billing works without a smart meter

Until a smart meter is installed, the bill is based on meter readings and payments on account.

Household meters are generally read once a year. The timing depends on the residential address.

01

1. Advance invoice

You will receive the first of three instalment invoices. The amount corresponds to approximately one quarter of the estimated annual amount.

02

2nd and 3rd instalment invoice

Two further instalment bills follow over the course of the year. These are also based on the estimated annual consumption.

03

Final bill after meter reading

After the annual meter reading, the actual consumption is billed. Any advance payments already made are taken into account in the annual or overall bill.

View sample calculation

With a smart meter, you pay exactly for what you consume. The bill is based on measured consumption data and no longer on estimates.

Billing cycle

Four invoices per year

You receive four bills per calendar year based on your actual electricity consumption.

Billing

No partial invoices

Estimated advance payment amounts no longer apply.

Transition

One-time interim statement

After the installation of the smart meter, you will receive a one-off final bill for the old electricity meter.

Transparency

Understand consumption

In the online customer centre, you can view your consumption and invoices.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about your electricity bill

Answers about billing frequency, payments on account and cost components.

Further information on tariffs and electricity price components can be found on the tariff page.

In the online customer centre my.bkw.ch, you can find outstanding and paid invoices, compare your consumption and take care of many matters directly online.