Heating, water connection and energy saving

Are you coming to Luxembourg? Once you have chosen your accommodation, and when you move into your new house or apartment in Luxembourg, you will have to take the necessary steps to connect to the various energy sources: water, electricity and heating network, whether your installation is gas or oil.

Connection to the water network with your municipality

The connection to the water network is the responsibility of your municipality of residence. As soon as you move in, and at the same time as you register as a new citizen of the municipality, you must request the connection of your home to the water network. The bill will be sent to you regularly according to your water consumption.

If you live in a collective building, this connection is taken care of by the building’s syndic. Your consumption will be deducted from your monthly charges.

For the City of Luxembourg, contact the Water Department or the Bierger Center directly. You can use this opportunity to declare your new residence.

Subscription and connection to the electricity network

Where does electricity come from in Luxembourg?

The electricity consumed in Luxembourg comes from Europe. Luxembourg is mainly supplied by Germany (70%) and France (23%).

Luxembourg is a forerunner in Europe in the use of renewable energy. 65% of the electricity supplied to individuals and companies comes from renewable energy sources, compared to 35% for Europe. 27% comes from fossil fuels compared to 40% in Europe. Only 7% of the electrical energy supplied comes from a nuclear source compared to 35% for the rest of Europe.

Electricity prices jumped by 10% in Luxembourg in 2021. With the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, prices are likely to rise sharply in 2022 worldwide.

Choice of electricity supplier

As with gas, price differences between electricity suppliers can be significant. It can therefore be interesting to compare offers to save money on the electricity bill.

Depending on the supplier, the electricity offer will be either a classic mix, from different sources, or with a more carbon-neutral impact.

You are free to choose your service provider for your electricity supply if you live in an individual dwelling. The principle is the same as described above for the gas supply, whether you want to keep the same subscription as your predecessor or change it.

For collective housing, here again the electricity supply is managed by the building’s syndic or your landlord. Ask about it when you visit a home.

Here again, the Institut Luxembourgeois de Régulation answers all your questions about your electricity subscription on the website ilr.lu.

Gas subscription and connection

Where does the gas supplied to Luxembourg come from?

The different suppliers offer you natural gas that is environmentally friendly and produced in Europe.

Luxembourg imports half of its gas from Belgium and the Netherlands. A quarter of its needs are covered by gas from Russia. The remaining quarter comes from liquid natural gas, supplied by oil ports. Luxembourg is therefore less dependent than some of its European neighbors in the conflict against Ukraine.

Consumer gas prices jumped 61% in 2021. The ULC is calling for a price cap to support low-income households. Unfortunately, this price explosion is not over in view of the war in Ukraine.

Luxembourg is ahead of many countries in its ability to offer bio-gas, i.e. gas produced from the decomposition of organic matter. Even if it is more expensive, it is not only environmentally friendly, but also promotes Luxembourg’s energy independence.

Find your gas supplier

There are few gas suppliers in Luxembourg. With little competition, prices soar. There are very large differences between the different suppliers. So it may be worthwhile to compare offers and switch to a cheaper provider if you see significant differences.

The Institut Luxembourgeois de Régulation answers all your questions related to gas supply on ilr.lu. You will find a gas price comparator.

If you wish to change your gas supplier, the new provider will take care of the formalities to take over the service from the old provider. To do this, you give him a mandate to intervene when you sign the new contract. However, beware of the conditions and deadlines for cancellation.

If you move into a new apartment building, the energy supply is often taken care of by the syndic and/or the owner. You will be billed for the costs associated with your usage on your monthly statement of charges. Find out about it beforehand when you first visit your apartment and make sure you do so when you sign your lease.

If you live in an individual dwelling, you have the option of freely choose your gas supplier. Contact directly to the chosen providers.

For an easy connection, check with previous owners or tenants. This will probably allow you to take over the service providers who already provide the service. You can also contact your local municipality to find out which gas suppliers operate in your area.

Compare rates and change your gas or electricity supplier

Use the Calculix price comparison tool to choose the best offer for electricity or gas supply based on your postal code and the number of people in your household.

When comparing prices, be sure to consider all the details of the contract, not just the cost of energy. many hidden costs can increase the final bill.

You will be able to choose the best provider and download directly the useful documents to complete for change of provider.

You haven’t found your home yet? Click here for more information.

Oil heating

In Luxembourg, some homes are still equipped with oil-fired boilers.

The price of fuel oil, as well as the price of energy, is set at the national level by the Ministry of Economy.

There are many suppliers of heating oil. Their contact information is easily accessible on the internet.

Maintenance of boilers and heating systems

Heating systems are regulated and must be inspected regularly by a professional.

These inspections must be performed every two years for solid and liquid fuel installations, and every four years for gas installations. However, it is advisable to check your system every year to ensure the safety and performance of your system, while preserving its longevity.

Heating installers with a controller’s certificate are authorized to perform periodic inspections. The Chambre des Métiers has a list of authorized service providers.

Save energy

Decrease the overall temperature of homes

• Reducing the temperature of our homes by 1 or 2 degrees allows us to reduce our energy consumption and make significant savings. 1 degree less means 7% savings on your heating bill.
  Adjust the overall temperature of your home according to the hours of presence or absence. Lower the temperature globally during the night and raise it 30 minutes before you wake up.
• Equip your radiators with individual thermostats and vary the temperature of the rooms in your home according to their purpose.
  The temperature in a bedroom should not exceed 19 degrees. Not only will you sleep much better, but you will also save a lot of money.
  Are your living rooms located on the south side? They will need less heating when the sun shines.
  Warm up the bathroom when you take a shower or bath.
• Remember to turn off the heat when you air the room. Some heaters are equipped with an “open window” feature that is very useful for saving money.
• Equip your heating system with smart appsthat will manage the temperature in your home for you and save you money.

Insulate housing

The energy class of your home is a valuable indicator of the insulation of your home and its energy performance. The EPC is mandatory in Luxembourg in case of sale or rental of a property and must be renewed every 10 years. Learn more about the energy performance certificate.

In addition, the Luxembourg government mandates specialists in energy performance in private homes to study ways to improve. In addition, financial aid such as the Klima Loan is available to help individuals renovate and improve the energy performance of their homes.

Reduce your electricity bill

Here are some ways to reduce your electricity consumption and save money on your bills

• Remember to turn off the lights when leaving a room.
• Defrost your freezer regularly.
• Remember to cover your pots and pans when heating water or cooking food. They will heat up faster and you will save just as much.
• Use the eco-programs of your household appliances like your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer.
• Do not leave unused appliances on standby. Remember to turn off your TV, computers, PS, box,… Also, do not leave phone charging cords plugged in if no device is connected to them. You will easily save 80 euros per year by applying these few measures.
• Lower the water temperature of your water heater to 55 to 60 degrees Celsius. That’s enough.
• Take advantage of the sun to dry your laundry outside whenever possible.