I got a letter from Electricity Deptt that they will be charging extra 65 CHF as an advance payment for increasing the heating in home.I am living here for 6 months now but till date havent received any other elcetricity bill.What is the norm here? I mean do they include electricity in house rent or provide bill after one year.In latter case can I contact anyone to know how much billing has already been made?

As a tenant you will be expected to pay your own electricity - plus your share of any common electricity for stairs, hallways and washing machine. Much of these 'common' charges may already be covered in your NebenKosten.

Electricity bills are usually estimates with the meter being read once a year when the adjustments from the estimates are made.

NB: There are considerable savings to be made on electricity costs in Switzerland by maximising low-tariff times...

thanxs so much for the helpful answer.Also Can I contact anyone to know how much billing has already been made nd what do u mean by low tariff times.

You should have a note somewhere stating what the meter reading was when you took over the flat. From this and current reading you can estimate this. Otherwise, your electricity company will be able to tell you what is likely to be due. They (or their website) should be able to advise on low tariff times (usually 8pm top 7am daily and 1pm Saturday to 7am Monday).

Our provider is EWZ.I think I shd check their website now

Hallway,Stairs,Garage Lights etc are indeed accounted for in the Nebenkosten,but only to a small amount,it's the landlord who pays the lions share.

Electricity used for washing/tumbler/room dehydrator has to be, by law , individually charged according to the actual use, this is why you either have 20Cts slot machines,or a special badge or card that has to be stuck in somewhere,the latter are then hooked up to the electrity meter connected with your flat,so you really pay only what YOU have used.

Here in Ct.Bern the meters are read quarterly and upon tenant/owner change of a flat.

By law? Is this a cantonal law? I've only lived in one flat the whole time I was in Lausanne & there the laundry was "free". (i.e. no coins, cards, etc.) So I don't know how it works in other buildings.

I can't imagine our building was illegal! I knew there was something wrong as all the neighbors were nice & everyone got along, never any problems. Now I know why: We were all complicit in the same crime!!
Criminals all of us!!

@minimia

i can only speak for Ct.Bern it may well be that it's different in Ct.Vaud,which i admit,have no insight into.

In the appartment blocks hubby owns,we have to do it this way,and I was told by the agency that helps me managing the estate, that this is done so by law here.

Your building was certainly not illegal and I like what you write about getting on with each other!This is what living in appt.blocks should be

Have a nice evening!