Utility meters

Flow measurement refers to the measurement of electricity, gas, heat or water consumption. When the results of a flow measuring instruments are used for pricing the use of electricity, water, heat or gas, the acquisition and use of the instrument must comply with the requirements set by the Measuring Instruments Act (707/2011).

The party using the measuring result as a basis for invoicing is responsible for the conformity of the meters, such as:

  • the electricity provider
  • the water and sewage provider
  • the heat provider
  • the gas provider
  • the housing company, or
  • the electric car charging operator.

The responsibility is not dependent on the ownership of the measuring instrument. The invoicing party must ensure that the measuring instrument suits its purpose and environment, that it always functions reliably, and that its use fulfils the requirements of the Measuring Instruments Act.

The housing company is responsible for the conformity of the flat-specific meters or the electrical energy meters used to measure the internal consumption of the housing company, when the housing company’s invoicing is based on the measuring result of the meters.

A distinctive characteristic of measuring instruments is that the correct invoicing of an individual client typically relies on only one instrument. It is therefore important to maintain the condition of the entire stock of instruments.

A measuring instrument intended for measuring consumption must have a display that is easily visible for the consumers. The reading on the display is the measuring result that serves as the basis for the price to pay (Measuring Instruments Directive MID 2014/32/EU Annex I, 10.5).