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Electricity & gas · Austria
Checked 2026-09-30

💳 Prepayment meter in Austria: 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 Austria

Prepayment meters

Prepayment exists in basic supply (Grundversorgung): if you fall behind with payments again after invoking it, the grid operator may disconnect you unless you agree to prepay for future supply and grid use.

  • On your request the prepayment function must be switched off once you have paid the arrears from basic supply to supplier and grid operator. (ris.bka.gv.at)
  • The same applies to gas: the gas grid operator may refuse prepayment only for technical safety reasons. (ris.bka.gv.at)
Official source: ris.bka.gv.at · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

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

Schlichtungsstelle der E-ControlSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 +43 1 24724 444🔗 www.e-control.at/en/schlichtungsstelle
E-Control (Energie-Control Austria)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 +43 1 24 7 24-0🔗 www.e-control.at

❓ 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 Austria 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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