A lot of people have meters
We have a gas meter, but gas is only used for cooking. Central heating, together with hot water, is supplied centrally - as is the case in a lot of areas.
So for the central heating they calculate a fixed sum per m2 - and this you pay the whole year.
For hot and cold water the meters are checked twice per year and after each 6 month period they calculate if you should get money back on your monthly costs or have to pay extra.