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Electricity & gas · Hungary
Checked 2026-09-30

💳 Prepayment meter in Hungary: can they fit one, and what are my rights?

The short answer

With a prepayment meter you pay before you use energy. It can help with budgeting, but there are rules on when one may be fitted and on protection when the credit runs out.

📜 The rules in Hungary

Prepayment meters

Prepayment (top-up) meters exist for electricity and gas. A socially vulnerable customer can ask for one instead of disconnection; the supplier can require one if you build up debt and break a payment agreement. Anyone else can ask too, but pays for fitting and the meter.

  • For customers who are not vulnerable, fitting a prepayment meter also needs the grid operator's consent to the meter change. (mekh.hu)
Official source: mekh.hu · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

  1. Know the rules on fittingSee below when a supplier may install a prepayment meter in Hungary and who may be protected.
  2. Ask for emergency creditMost prepayment meters have emergency or friendly credit. Ask your supplier how it works.
  3. Get help if you cannot top upContact your supplier straight away and ask about extra support.
  4. Complain if the rules were brokenIf a meter was fitted wrongly, complain to the supplier, then to the dispute body below.

📇 Who to contact

Békéltető testületek (regionális békéltető testületek)Settles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint🔗 bekeltetes.hu
Magyar Energetikai és Közmű-szabályozási Hivatal (MEKH)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 +36 1 459 7740🔗 www.mekh.hu

❓ Questions

Can I switch back to a normal meter?

Often yes, once any debt is dealt with. Ask your supplier.

Do I pay more with a prepayment meter?

The rules on prepayment prices differ. The rules for Hungary are on this page.

Can I still switch supplier?

Usually yes, even with a prepayment meter. Debts can limit this.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-30

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

💸Can’t pay the bill→🩺Vulnerable and medical customers→🤝Help with energy costs→🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→

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