A Techem survey of tenants and landlords shows: Regular consumption information are an important tool for saving energy

Eschborn, March 31, 2026: An amendment to the Heating Costs Ordinance (HKVO) has required landlords since January 2022 to provide their tenants with regular consumption information (uVI) for heating and hot water when using remotely readable meters. Recent market research by the energy service provider Techem shows that the regular consumption information is effective: It creates transparency and thereby ensures a more conscious use of energy.

However, the existing uVI requirement is still largely unknown: 34% of the private landlords surveyed stated that they were unaware of the obligation to provide uVI on a regular basis. This knowledge gap is also reflected in practical implementation: only 37% of the tenants surveyed have received regular consumption information so far. Yet timely implementation is becoming increasingly urgent: By January 1, 2027, all non-remotely readable meters in residential buildings must be retrofitted or replaced. The HKVO thus obligates landlords to switch to modern wireless-based systems and, consequently, to provide tenants with monthly consumption information.

A look at those who already use the uVI shows just how effective it can be  
The survey shows that 50% of tenants who already receive an uVI say it helps them be more mindful of their energy consumption. In addition, respondents who receive an uVI stated that they understand their consumption better (47%), feel there is greater transparency (46%), and identify specific savings potential (45%). Unexpected additional payments can also be avoided more often this way, according to 44% of this group. The picture is similar on the landlord side: 47% of landlords who are aware of the uVI requirement see the increased transparency for tenants as a major advantage. At the same time, nearly 40% of this group view the uVI not only as a regulatory obligation but also as an opportunity for greater transparency and efficiency. Around 30% of landlords who have already implemented the uVI have also observed a decrease in energy consumption in their buildings.

Techem enables simple and legally compliant implementation 
Techem offers a legally compliant, clearly presented, and digital solution for regular consumption information (LINK). The information is supplemented with comparisons to the previous month, the same month of the previous year, and the relevant user category, and is clearly visualized. Charts show trends over time and help identify irregularities. This is also confirmed by the tenants surveyed who receive an uVI: 70% of them find the uVI generally understandable or very understandable.

“The survey shows very clearly how wide the gap between legal requirements and actual implementation still is,” says Matthias Hartmann, CEO of Techem. “At the same time, it becomes clear: where transparency is created, behavior changes. Intra-year consumption information enables millions of households to better understand their energy consumption and act more consciously. With our solution, we make it easy for landlords to meet the requirements – while ensuring that tenants directly benefit from clear, understandable data.”

Transparency as a path to greater energy efficiency 
Market research findings show that regular consumption data encourages more mindful energy use and thus contributes significantly to savings in the building sector.

Image information: Nearly 50% of tenants who receive regular consumption information (uVI) are more conscious about saving energy (Copyright: Techem).

About the Survey  
This survey was conducted online in March 2026. A total of 2,000 tenants and 400 private landlords were surveyed. The quantitative survey focused on the current level of information, information needs, and usage behavior. The target populations for both groups were defined based on specific criteria