The legislation heat cost allocation rests on

The framework law requiring heating and domestic hot water costs in centrally heated buildings to be shared according to the amount consumed. How that sharing is carried out is set by the regulation issued under this law.

• Sharing by consumption is mandatory

  In centrally heated buildings, cost sharing follows the amount each unit consumes. Equal sharing, or sharing on floor area alone, does not satisfy this requirement.

  Where it lives in NovuSoft

  The billing engine applies the regulation's order; an equal-sharing option is not offered.

• Measuring equipment must be installed

  Sharing requires allocators, heat meters or hot water meters in the units. Where measurement is not possible, the estimation method defined in the regulation applies.

  Where it lives in NovuSoft

  Meter inventory; comparison and average modes for units that cannot be read.

The main text setting the calculation order, the ratios, the contents of the cost allocation statement and the method to be used where measurement is not possible. A metering company's daily work is largely shaped by this regulation.

• How the heating cost is split

  The heating cost is split in two: part follows measured consumption and the rest follows the units' floor area. For central systems the ratio is 70% consumption / 30% area, and for district heating 80% / 20%.

  Where it lives in NovuSoft

  Billing → Parameters → individual heating ratio

• Domestic hot water follows consumption in full

  Unlike heating, the domestic hot water cost is shared entirely on measured consumption; no area share applies.

  Where it lives in NovuSoft

  Billing → Parameters → hot water price and temperature

• Minimum 15 °C and the minimum heating share

  In centrally heated units the room temperature is set to at least 15 °C. For units that close their valves completely, a minimum heating share is applied based on the project's region and the month.

  Where it lives in NovuSoft

  Billing → 15 °C / estimation tab

• Units that cannot be measured

  Where a share cannot be determined because of equipment failure, the unit's own consumption in a comparable earlier period, or that of comparable units in the same period, is taken as the basis. Which method was used must be visible on the statement.

  Where it lives in NovuSoft

  Billing → comparison and average modes; the method is stated on the document.

• What the statement must contain

  The statement carries measurement dates and values, calculation tables, the total cost, the allocation ratios, the amount falling to the unit and the payment due date.

  Where it lives in NovuSoft

  Billing detail → unit statement

• Obligation to post

  Allocation results are posted as a list at the building entrance so that occupants can see their own share.

  Where it lives in NovuSoft

  Billing detail → posting list

• Who performs measurement and allocation

  Heat measurement and cost allocation are carried out by authorised metering companies, whose list is published by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change.

  Where it lives in NovuSoft

  Partner and project authorisation; every project has a responsible company on record.

Sets the rules for inspection, stamping and periodic verification of measuring instruments used in trade. Heat meters and water meters fall under it; an allocation made with an unstamped or out-of-date meter is open to dispute.

• Stamping and verification

  Meters used in commercial measurement are verified and stamped. A meter whose verification period has expired should not be used as the basis for commercial measurement until renewed.

  Where it lives in NovuSoft

  The meter inventory holds brand, serial number and first reading date.

• Continuity when a meter is replaced

  When a meter is replaced, the final index of the old device and the first index of the new one must be recorded; otherwise the period's consumption breaks and becomes open to dispute.

  Where it lives in NovuSoft

  Meter replacement record; the old and new indexes sit together in the archive.