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Tariff Setup

Configure water tariffs in the stromleser app to track not just consumption, but also costs. This helps you monitor your water bills and budget more effectively.

Why Configure Tariffs​

Setting up water tariffs allows you to:

  • See estimated costs alongside consumption data
  • Track spending over time
  • Set budget alerts and warnings
  • Project future water bills
  • Compare cost efficiency across different periods

Accessing Tariff Settings​

  1. Open the stromleser app
  2. Select your wasserleser device
  3. Tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top right
  4. Navigate to Tariff Setup or Water Tariff

Water Tariff Types​

Flat Rate Tariff​

A single price per unit of water:

  • Price per m³ (or per liter/gallon)
  • Same rate regardless of usage amount
  • Simplest tariff structure

Example: €2.50 per m³

Tiered Pricing​

Different rates based on consumption levels:

  • Tier 1: First X m³ at lower rate
  • Tier 2: Next Y m³ at medium rate
  • Tier 3: Additional usage at higher rate

Example:

  • First 50 m³: €2.00/m³
  • 51-100 m³: €2.50/m³
  • Above 100 m³: €3.00/m³

Fixed + Variable Costs​

Combination of base fee plus usage charges:

  • Fixed monthly fee: Base charge regardless of usage
  • Variable cost: Price per m³ consumed

Example: €10/month base + €2.50 per m³

Setting Up Your Tariff​

Step 1: Select Tariff Type​

  1. Choose your tariff structure (flat rate, tiered, or fixed+variable)
  2. Tap Next or Continue

Step 2: Enter Pricing​

  1. Enter the price per unit (m³, liter, or gallon)
  2. For tiered pricing, enter each tier's threshold and rate
  3. For fixed+variable, enter both the monthly fee and unit rate
  4. Select your currency

Step 3: Add Additional Fees (Optional)​

Some water bills include additional charges:

  • Wastewater fees: Often charged per m³ of water consumed
  • Service charges: Monthly or annual fees
  • Environmental fees: Local water resource charges

Add these if they apply to your bill.

Step 4: Save and Verify​

  1. Review your tariff configuration
  2. Save the settings
  3. Check that cost estimates appear in the app

Viewing Cost Data​

Once tariffs are configured, the app displays:

  • Real-time costs: Current day's water expenses
  • Period costs: Weekly, monthly, yearly totals
  • Cost charts: Graphical representation of expenses
  • Projected costs: Estimated future bills based on current usage

See Understanding Water Charts for interpreting cost data.

Updating Tariff Information​

Water prices may change over time. Update your tariff when:

  • Your utility company changes rates
  • You move to a new location
  • Billing structure changes
  • Additional fees are added or removed

To Update:​

  1. Access tariff settings
  2. Modify the relevant values
  3. Save changes
  4. Historical data remains unchanged; new costs apply going forward

Budget Alerts​

Set budget thresholds to receive notifications:

  1. Go to tariff settings
  2. Enable Budget Alerts
  3. Set monthly or yearly budget limits
  4. Configure notification preferences

You'll receive alerts when approaching or exceeding budget thresholds.

Cost Accuracy​

Estimates Only

Cost calculations are estimates based on your configured tariffs. Always refer to your official utility bill for exact charges, as it may include additional fees or adjustments not captured in the app.

Troubleshooting​

Costs not showing:

  • Verify tariff is configured and saved
  • Check that price values are greater than zero
  • Restart the app

Costs seem incorrect:

  • Review tariff configuration
  • Ensure correct currency is selected
  • Verify consumption readings are accurate
  • Compare to actual utility bill and adjust tariff if needed

Can't save tariff settings:

  • Check internet connection
  • Ensure device is online
  • Try restarting the app