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Electricity & gas · Luxembourg
Checked 2026-09-30

💳 Prepayment meter in Luxembourg: 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 Luxembourg

Prepayment meters

Prepayment meters are used only in payment arrears: if you receive aid from the municipal social office, your supplier may have the grid operator fit a prepayment meter until the overdue bills are paid in full. Fitting and removal costs are yours.

  • Once everything is paid, you can ask your supplier to have the grid operator replace the prepayment meter with a normal meter. (myilr.lu)
Official source: myilr.lu · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

  1. Know the rules on fittingSee below when a supplier may install a prepayment meter in Luxembourg 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

Service de médiation de l'ILRSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 (+352) 28 228 444🔗 www.ilr.lu/mediation
Institut Luxembourgeois de Régulation (ILR)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 (+352) 28 228 228🔗 www.ilr.lu

❓ 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 Luxembourg 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→🤝Help with energy costs→🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→

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