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Electricity & gas · Austria
Checked 2026-09-27

📦 Moving house in Austria: what do I do about electricity and gas?

The short answer

Moving is a common moment for billing mistakes. Read the meters on both days and tell your supplier in time.

📜 The rules in Austria

The market

Households can freely choose their electricity and gas supplier. Since 24 December 2025 the new Electricity Industry Act (ElWG, 'Günstiger-Strom-Gesetz') governs electricity customers' rights; some parts started in 2026.

Official source: ris.bka.gv.at · Checked 2026-09-27

Switching supplier

Switching is free of separate charges. It may take at most three weeks; since 1 April 2026 the technical electricity switch must take no more than 24 hours on any working day. You can cancel with two weeks' notice; with a binding period, at the end of the first contract year at the latest.

Official source: ris.bka.gv.at · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

  1. Tell your supplier in advanceGive the moving date and your new address, and ask whether your contract can move with you.
  2. Read the metersTake dated photos of all meters on the day you leave and the day you arrive.
  3. Check the new homeFind out which grid operator serves the new address and whether the supply is connected.
  4. Check your final billCompare the final bill with your photos. Any credit must be refunded.

📇 Who to contact

Tarifkalkulator der E-Control officialCompare electricity and gas offersBefore you switch, or when your price goes up🔗 www.e-control.at/unsere-services/tarifkalkulator
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 take my contract with me?

Often yes, within the same country. Otherwise moving usually lets you end it.

What if the supply is off at the new home?

Contact a supplier or the grid operator to have it connected.

Who pays for energy between tenants?

The person on the contract pays until the move is reported. That is why the meter reading matters.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 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

🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→💸Can’t pay the bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→

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