Heating and electricity, energy savings
Find out how to set up your utilities. Make sure your home has a reliable supply of electricity and gas so that moving into your new home in Luxembourg goes as smoothly as possible.
You’ll also find our tips here for reducing your energy consumption and lowering your bills.
Connecting to the electricity grid in Luxembourg
When you move into your new home, the previous owner or tenant likely hasn’t had the electricity service disconnected. The simplest option is to simply take over theexisting contracts. You can also choose a different electricity provider.
Choosing your electricity provider in Luxembourg
What should you know about electricity providers?
Price differences between electricity providers in Luxembourg can be significant. As with gas, it’s in your best interest to compare offers to save money on your electricity bill.
Suppliers offer electricity through various types of plans, depending on the energy source used. In fact , Luxembourg is increasingly prioritizing energy sources with a more carbon-neutral footprint.
Electricity Supply in an Apartment Building
If you live in an apartment building, the property manager or your landlord handles the electricity supply and the service provider for all units. Therefore, you may not necessarily be able to choose the service provider. Your consumption will either be included in the building’s maintenance fees or billed directly via a meter installed in your unit. Be sure to ask about this during your apartment viewings.
Electricity Supply in a Single-Family Home
If you live in a single-family home, you are free to choose your electricity provider. You can keep the same plan as your predecessor for convenience when moving into your new home.
Once you’re settled in, however, we recommend comparing electricity plans and switching providers if you find a cheaper one.
Compare electricity costs based on your usage
On the ilr.lu website, the Luxembourg RegulatoryInstitute answers all your questions about your electricity plan. You can also compare offers from different electricity providers to choose the one that best suits your needs.
With the Calculix price comparison tool, you can simulate your electricity consumption based on your household composition and the size of your home.
Electricity Consumption and Prices in Luxembourg
The electricity consumed in Luxembourg comes from Europe. Luxembourg sources most of its electricity from Germany (70%) and France (23%).
Luxembourg is a pioneer in Europe when it comes to the use of renewable energy. 65% of the electricity supplied to households and businesses comes from renewable sources, compared to 35% for Europe. 27% comes from fossil fuels, compared to 40% in Europe. Only 7% of the electricity supplied comes from nuclear sources, compared to 35% for the rest of Europe.
Electricity prices jumped by 10% in Luxembourg in 2021 and 2022. To curb inflation in electricity prices, the government has capped prices until the end of 2024.
The end of this price cap is expected to significantly impact bills for Luxembourg residents. STATEC, Luxembourg’s economic research agency, is already forecasting a 17% increase in gas prices and a 60% increase in electricity prices! However, the government is reportedly considering covering half of this increase to mitigate the impact on consumers.
Be sure to open a bank account soon for your electricity and gas bill payments.
Gas Subscription and Connection in Luxembourg
Find your gas supplier in Luxembourg
There are few gas suppliers in Luxembourg. With limited competition, prices are skyrocketing. There are significant price differences between the various suppliers. It may therefore be worth comparing offers and switching to a more economical provider if you notice significant price differences.
Gas Supply in an Apartment Building in Luxembourg
If you’re moving into a new apartment in a multi-unit building, the property manager or landlord is responsible for the heating supply. The costs associated with your usage will be billed to you as part of your monthly utility statement. Be sure to ask about this during your first visit to the apartment and pay close attention to it when signing your lease.
Gas supply in a single-family home
If you live in a single-family home, you are free to choose your own gas provider. However, for an easy and hassle-free setup, simply keep the same provider as your predecessor. Check with the previous owners or tenants. This way, you can continue using the service providers already in place.
Compare rates and switch gas providers
If you wish to switch gas suppliers, check with your local municipality first to find out which gas suppliers operate in the area.
Switching gas providers is easy since the new provider handles the paperwork. They will take over the gas supply service, replacing your previous provider. To do this, you’ll need to provide them with a power of attorney when signing the new contract. Be sure to pay attention to the terms and notice periods for cancellation.
The Luxembourg Regulatory Institute also answers all your questions related to gas supply at ilr.lu. There, you’ll find a gas price comparison tool.
Use the Calculix price comparison tool to choose the best electricity or gas supply offer based on your ZIP code and the number of people in your household.
When comparing prices, be sure to take all contract details into account, not just the cost of energy. Many hidden fees can increase your final bill.
This way, you can choose the best gas supplier and directly download the necessary documents to complete the switch to a new provider.
Gas Consumption and Supply in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, various suppliers offer environmentally friendly natural gas produced in Europe.
Luxembourg imports half of its gas from Belgium and the Netherlands. A quarter of its needs is covered by gas from Russia. The remaining quarter comes from liquefied natural gas, supplied via oil ports. Luxembourg is therefore less dependent than some of its European neighbors in the conflict with Ukraine.
Retail gas prices surged by 61% in 2021 and 2022. To combat this gas price inflation, the government has capped price increases at 15% for the year 2024.
Luxembourg is ahead of many countries in its ability to offer biogas, i.e., gas produced from the decomposition of organic matter. Although it is more expensive, it is not only environmentally friendly but also promotes Luxembourg’s energy independence.
Starting in 2023, new homes built in Luxembourg will no longer be equipped with gas heating.
Other types of heating for Luxembourg homes
Oil heating in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, some homes are still equipped with oil-fired boilers. This is currently more economical than electricity or gas, given the soaring energy costs. The price of heating oil, as well as the price of energy, is set at the national level by the Ministry of the Economy.
As with other types of heating, it is important to have your oil-fired boiler serviced regularly.
There are many oil suppliers. Their contact information is easily accessible online.
Other options for heating your home in Luxembourg
Some homes are heated partly or entirely with wood. Given the soaring energy prices, wood remains one of the most economical heating options in Luxembourg. Furthermore, as it is completely natural and non-polluting, wood is an eco-friendly fuel.
Municipalities regularly offer their residents the opportunity to purchase firewood. If you have a wood-fired central heating system or a wood stove, check with your local municipal office.
Maintenance of Boilers and Heating Systems
Heating systems are regulated in Luxembourg and must be inspected regularly by a professional.
These inspections must be performed every two years for solid or liquid fuel systems, and every four years for gas systems. However, we recommend having your system inspected annually to ensure its safety and performance and to preserve its longevity.
The Chamber of Trades maintains a list of heating installers who hold a certificate for the periodic inspection of heating systems.
Tips for Reducing Energy Consumption
With energy prices skyrocketing and in order to conserve our natural resources, everyone must now adopt responsible habits regarding energy use. To lower your gas or electricity bills, here are some tips for saving energy.
Lower the overall temperature in your home
- Lowering the temperature in your home by 1 or 2 degrees helps reduce energy consumption and leads to significant savings. A 1-degree drop means a 7% savings on your heating bill
- Adjust the overall temperature of your home based on when you’re home or away. Lower the temperature at night and raise it 30 minutes before you wake up
- The temperature in a bedroom should not exceed 19 degrees. Not only will you sleep much better, but you’ll also save a lot of money.
Are your living areas facing south? They’ll need less heating as soon as the sun comes out. - Heat the bathroom only when you’re taking a shower or bath.
- Remember to turn off the heat when you’re ventilating the room. Some heaters are equipped with a “window open” feature, which is very useful for saving money
- Close the shutters and blinds during hot weather.
Equip yourself with smart systems
- Equip your heating system with smart apps that will manageyour home’s temperature for you and help you save money.
- Fit your radiators with individual thermostats and adjust the temperature of each room in your home according to its purpose.
Use your appliances and manage your electricity wisely
- Set your appliances to the correct temperature: -18 degrees for your freezer and 7 degrees for your refrigerator
- Defrost your freezer regularly
- Use the eco settings on your appliances, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer.
- Select a high-spin cycle for your washing machine and preferably air-dry your laundry outdoors rather than using a dryer. Take advantage of the sun to dry your laundry outside whenever possible
- Remember to turn off the lights when leaving a room
- Unplug household appliances (TV, computers, PlayStation, modem, etc.) when you go on vacation and don’t leave them on standby
- Unplug your phone chargers whenever no device is connected
- Don’t forget to cover your pots when heating water or cooking food. They’ll heat up faster, and you’ll save energy
- Lower the temperature of your water heater to 55 to 60 degrees Celsius. This is sufficient for everyday hot water use and will prevent household accidents caused by burns.
Insulating Homes in Luxembourg
Your home’s energy class is a valuable indicator of its insulation and energy performance. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is mandatory in Luxembourg when selling or renting a property and must be renewed every 10 years. Learn more about the Energy Performance Certificate.
In addition, the Luxembourg government sends energy efficiency specialists to private homes to identify opportunities for improvement. Financial assistance programs, such as the Klima Loan, are available to help homeowners renovate and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Check out our tips for reducing your water consumption.
Installing Solar Panels in Luxembourg
Want to generate your own green energy? It’s more than possible in Luxembourg. In fact, the Luxembourg government has set a target for green energy consumption to reach 25% of total consumption by 2030.
To achieve this goal, Luxembourg encourages homeowners to install solar photovoltaic panels on their homes. By generating your own energy, you help reduce the negative impact of our energy consumption on the environment.
Incentives for Photovoltaic Panels in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, the installation of photovoltaic panels is strongly encouraged by the government through the Klimabonus program. This scheme significantly reduces the cost of a solar project while facilitating its financing through tailored mechanisms, notably pre-financing (third-party payment).
This government pre-financing scheme helps limit the upfront cash outlay. In practice, a portion of the subsidy is directly deducted from the amount payable to the installer, which greatly simplifies project financing.
Investment Assistance
The subsidies granted under the Klimabonus cover a significant portion of the initial investment. They are calculated based on the total cost of the installation and its capacity.
- Up to 50% of the total cost of the installation (within the specified limits)
- Cap of €1,250 per kWp installed
- Maximum amount of €10,000 for a photovoltaic system
This support makes solar energy more accessible, particularly for households wishing to generate their own electricity.
Additional support for storage
In addition to photovoltaic panels, the government also encourages the installation of home batteries to store the electricity generated.
- Assistance of up to €2,250
- Valid for home storage systems (up to approximately 9 kWh)
Storage increases the rate of self-consumption and maximizes long-term savings.
Unused electricity can be fed into the grid. This generates revenue at a rate set by the authorities, allowing you to monetize excess production.
Municipal grants for installing solar panels
Some municipalities offer their residents additional grants for the installation of solar panels. Check with your local municipality.
Requirements to qualify for grants
To qualify for this assistance, certain conditions must be met:
- The installation must be carried out by a certified professional
- The project generally involves a primary residence
- The installation is most often intended for self-consumption
Additionally, specific rules may apply depending on the date the estimate was signed, as certain situations may still fall under a previous program.
Recommended guidance
Before proceeding, it is advisable to run a personalized simulation to accurately estimate the amount of financial assistance available and the project’s profitability. Specialized organizations can also assist you with the application process and sizing your installation.
These measures make Luxembourg a particularly favorable environment for solar energy development, combining financial incentives, administrative simplicity, and a long-term vision for energy savings.
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