Brebca - stock.adobe.comMore and more residential buildings are now heated with renewable energy sources – whether solar thermal, heat pumps, or combined heat and power. This presents property managers with a new challenge: How does heating cost billing work with alternative energy sources when the regulations of the German Heating Cost Ordinance (HKVO) don't fully apply? And how can billing be legally compliant, transparent, and based on actual consumption?
Due to legal requirements, such as the integration of the Renewable Energy Heat Act (EEWärmeG) into the Building Energy Act (GEG), the share of renewable heating systems is continuously increasing. Property managers must therefore deal intensively with the operating cost and heating cost accounting for alternative energy sources.
Heating Costs Ordinance and its exceptions for renewable energies
The HKVO Section 9, paragraph 1 stipulates that at least 50%, but no more than 70%, of heating and hot water costs must be billed according to individual consumption. The remaining costs are to be allocated regardless of consumption.
However, for heating systems using renewable energies, an exception applies according to § 11 paragraph 1 point 3:
"Not applicable to rooms in buildings that are predominantly supplied with heat from heat pumps, solar systems or CHP plants, provided that heat consumption is not recorded."
Nevertheless, a consumption-based heating cost bill is still recommended here, as it promotes awareness of energy consumption and supports energy-efficient behavior.
How to record consumption data for heating cost billing with alternative energy sources: ideally via remote reading
For new buildings, the initial assessment is based on calculated consumption values. After the first heating season, the actual values can be measured and verified. For existing systems with updated technology, existing measurement data is used for classification.
Modern measurement systems like Minol Connect with LoRaWAN® technology enable precise, remotely read data. Heating bill with alternative energy sources, entirely without requiring access to apartments. This creates transparency and reduces the workload for property managers and residents.
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With the LoRaWAN radio system Brunata Minol Connect, you create the basis for digital heating cost billing.
This is how landlords and property managers can collect consumption data securely, digitally and transparently.
Shi – stock.adobe.comHeating cost statement for solar thermal systems
Not all costs associated with solar thermal support qualify as operating costs that can be passed on to tenants. Relevant items include:
- Electricity costs for pumps and controls (to be proven via a calibrated electricity meter)
- Maintenance costs of the solar system
The guideline VDI 2077 Sheet 3.3 provides specific guidance on the measurement equipment for such systems and supports the cost accounting based on causation for alternative energies.
Heating cost billing for CHP plants
Combined heat and power plants and fuel cells generate electricity and heat simultaneously. However, only the costs for heat generation are eligible for reimbursement.
You can choose from:
- Computational method (only for inspected systems with a test report)
- Measurement method (recommended because it is more transparent and less prone to errors)
VDI 2077 Sheet 3.1 regulates the eligibility for cost allocation in CHP plants. Of particular importance: Only plants outside of district heating supply (AVBFernwärmeV) are affected.
Heating bill for heat pumps
Non-personal or anonymized information remains protected by tax secrecy. Disclosure to third parties is only allowed if no identification is possible and both states confirm that no harm to tax administration will occur. Heat pumps They require electricity or gas, accounting for approximately 25% of energy consumption at optimal efficiency. Only the portion of the operating costs attributable to heating usage is eligible for allocation to tenants.
For legally compliant heating cost billing with alternative energies, the following meters must be installed:
- Energy meter (e.g. electricity meter) in front of the heat pump
- Heat meter after the heat pump to record the generated heat input
Additionally: Heating elements in the storage tank must be recorded separately. The basis for billing is the seasonal performance factor (SPF), which reflects the ratio of energy input to energy output.
Conclusion: Implement heating cost billing for alternative energy sources in a transparent and legally compliant manner.
Even though the German Heating Cost Ordinance (HKVO) allows exceptions for renewable heating systems, consumption-based billing is always recommended. The right measuring technology, clear guidelines (VDI 2077), and structured documentation ensure transparency, legal certainty, and traceability for property managers, tenants, and owners alike.
Brunata Minol supports property managers with modern technology, individual consulting and legally compliant solutions for all aspects of property management. Heating bill in alternative energies.
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