Tips
By adopting the right actions on a daily basis, you can reduce your energy bills while helping to protect the climate. Here are some tips from Klima-Agence to help you save energy.
Luxembourg saved more than 25% gas between 1 August 2022 and 31 March 2023. This solidarity is and remains important today. Saving energy not only means saving money, but also guarantees that there is enough energy for everyone and that our country becomes more independent.
Everyone can contribute with small gestures in everyday life: making better use of heating, using public transport where possible, switching off lights and other appliances when they are not needed.
Together we can make a big difference. Your energy makes the difference.
By adopting the right actions on a daily basis, you can reduce your energy bills while helping to protect the climate. Here are some tips from Klima-Agence to help you save energy.
The government grants financial aid to facilitate the transition to renewable energies and to support low-income households.
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14/11/2023
Le ministère de l'Énergie et de l'Aménagement du territoire, ensemble avec Klima Agence, a lancé, ce mardi 14 novembre 2023, la campagne de "Ton énergie fait la différence".
Read more
03/08/2023
En date du 3 août 2023, le ministère de l'Énergie et de l'Aménagement du territoire a publié un nouvel état des lieux des efforts de réduction de la consommation de gaz naturel au Luxembourg.
Read more
04/07/2023
En date du 4 juillet 2023, le ministère de l'Énergie et de l'Aménagement du territoire a publié un nouvel état des lieux des efforts de réduction de la consommation de gaz naturel au Luxembourg.
Read more
You are a household and have questions about energy or a potential aid? Find the answers here.
Confronted with the challenge of securing supplies and rising gas and electricity prices, Europe is facing a pressing energy and climate crisis. It is therefore vital that all actors in society be able to implement measures to ensure an efficient energy transition, to consume less energy more efficiently, thereby reducing our energy needs and spending.
The government has set a voluntary savings target of -15% in natural gas demand compared to the previous five years, over the period 01.08.2022 – 31.03.2023. In order to prepare for the coming winter and guarantee security of supply, a decision has been taken at European level to extend this measure for an additional year - until 31.03.2024.
Alongside companies, with which the government is preparing concrete savings plans via trade associations, the State and municipalities are playing a pioneering role and households are also making a substantial contribution to energy savings.
Luxembourg has defined the roadmap for its overall climate and energy policy in its Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNEC). It has outlined the policies and measures that will enable it to achieve ambitious national targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (-55%), renewable energy (25%) and energy efficiency (40–44%) by 2030.
The government has taken steps to mitigate the exceptional rise in energy prices.
To help households, the government has decided to limit the increase in natural gas prices for residential customers to +15% compared to the average natural gas price level in September 2022 This measure applies automatically, no procedure is required. It will apply from October 2022 to December 2024. The Government will also continue to cover the network costs until the end of December 2024. The selling price of liquefied natural gas has been temporarily reduced by €0.20/kg. Since January 2023, the VAT on gas has also been reduced from 8% to 7%.
Following the exceptional increase in the price of petroleum products, the government has also decided to introduce a temporary reduction in the sale price of heating oil (fuel oil) of 15 cents per liter including taxes. The reduction in the price of heating oil came into effect on the 1st of November 2022 and will remain in effect until the 31st of December 2024. Since January 2023, the VAT on heating oil has also been reduced from 14% to 13%.
As of the 1st of January 2023, a reduction in the sale price of wood pellets used for domestic heating has been introduced: up to 35% of the price, with a maximum of €200 per tonne.
The price of electricity for households will stabilise this year based on the level of 2022. Similarly, prices at publicly accessible charging points for electric vehicles will also be fixed for the year 2023 and 2024. VAT on electricity has been reduced from 8% to 7% since the beginning of 2023.
From the 1st of October 2022, residential customers connected to a district heating network will benefit from a limited price increase of +15% based on the average price level in September 2022.
All these measures apply until the end of 2024.
In addition to the cost-of-living allowance (AVC) already in place, the government has introduced an energy bonus for 2022, 2023, and 2024. This bonus is granted to people whose gross income does not exceed the maximum limits of the AVC plus 25% and is applied in addition to it.
We also recall that the government has decided to adapt the rent subsidy to support households most exposed to the current inflation. As of the 1st of August 2022, the amounts allocated have been increased and the criteria for accessing this financial assistance for private market tenants have also been expanded. The rent subsidy is calculated based on household income and composition. Single-parent families are given special consideration. The amounts allocated to the various eligible households will increase by an average of 50% compared to the current situation, up to a possible 400 euros per month.
Single-parent families are given special consideration. The amounts allocated to the various eligible households will increase by an average of 50% compared to the current situation, up to a possible 400 euros per month.
Luxembourg forms a single market area with Belgium, a market that is supplied with gas mainly from Norway and via cargoes of LNG (liquefied natural gas) from Qatar, among other countries.
The natural gas consumed in Luxembourg is imported from Belgium and (to a lesser extent) from Germany. The natural gas market is characterised by a complete dependence on imports, if we do not take into account the production of biogas injected locally into the network.
The recent increase in gas prices following the Russian aggression in Ukraine has direct repercussions on the price of electricity because part of the electricity is produced using gas.
In 2021, Luxembourg imported 81.5% of the electricity it consumed. Since the transmission network is interconnected with the German transmission network, a large share of these imports comes from Germany. Since October 2017, the Benelux interconnection between the Belgian and Luxembourg transmission networks has been in operation and now also allows an exchange of electrical flows between these networks.
Europe is going through a period of uncertainty in the field of energy supply and, even though it is well interconnected to the transmission networks of neighbouring countries, Luxembourg is preparing for possible shortages in all energy sectors.
To this end, plans and procedures are in place or are being updated as necessary in order to deal with potential crises. These include the emergency plan and gas reduction measures, load-shedding plans and the energy conservation awareness campaign for gas and electricity.
In the event of a multi-sector emergency, the Power cut emergency response plan (electricity and natural gas) is in place, developed under the direction of the Office of the High Commissioner for National Protection (HCPN). In addition, regular exchanges take place between the Ministry of Energy and Spatial Planning and energy suppliers, network operators and responsible public actors in our neighbouring countries (especially Belgium and Germany).
The integrated price of gas and electricity consists of the energy purchase, network costs, taxes and VAT. The energy purchase part constitutes the largest price component.
The government has taken measures to mitigate the extraordinary increase in energy prices.
To help households, the government has decided to limit the increase in natural gas prices for residential customers to +15% based on the average natural gas price level of September 2022. This measure applies automatically, no action is required. It will apply from October 2022 to December 2024. The State will also continue to pay the network costs until the end of December 2024. The selling price of liquefied natural gas has been temporarily reduced by €0.20/kg. Since January 2023, the VAT on gas has also been reduced from 8% to 7%.
Following the exceptional rise in the price of petroleum products, the government has also decided to introduce a temporary reduction in the selling price of heating oil by 15 cents/liter including VAT. The price reduction of heating oil came into effect on the 1st of November 2022 and will apply until the 31st of December 2024. Since January 2023, the VAT on heating oil has also been reduced from 14% to 13%.
As of the 1st of January 2023, a reduction in the sale price of wood pellets used for domestic heating has been introduced: up to 35% of the price, with a maximum of €200 per ton.
The price of electricity for households will remain stabilised until the end of 2024 at the 2022 level. Similarly, prices at publicly accessible charging stations for electric vehicles will be stabilised for 2023 and 2024. The VAT on electricity has been reduced from 8% to 7% since the beginning of 2023.
From the 1st of October 2022, residential customers connected to a district heating network benefit from a price increase limited to +15% compared to the average price level of September 2022.
All these measures apply until the end of 2024.
In addition to the cost-of-living allowance (AVC) already in place, the government has introduced an energy bonus for 2022,2023 and 2024. This bonus is granted to people whose gross income does not exceed the maximum limits of the AVC plus 25%, and is applied in addition to the latter
In addition, the rent subsidy has been adjusted to support those households most exposed to current inflation. As of the 1st of August 2022, the amounts allocated have been increased and the criteria for accessing this financial assistance for private market tenants have also been expanded. The rent subsidy is calculated based on household income and composition. Single-parent families are given special consideration. The amounts allocated to the various eligible households will increase by an average of 50% compared to the current situation, up to a possible 400 euros per month.
Thus, the rent subsidy can be a substantial help to struggling tenant households. The municipalities have been tasked with raising awareness of their services (housing and social offices), informing their residents about the rent subsidy and checking their eligibility with the dedicated contact point (Guichet unique) for housing assistance.
The government is increasing its efforts to promote renewable energy, with a particular focus on wind and photovoltaic energy development projects. In addition, citizens can take advantage of a wide range of recently introduced and highly favourable Klimabonus incentives.
The first step would be to find out what type of boiler is in the building. You can also consult the energy passport that you received when you bought your home, or contact your landlord for information. You can also contact the property management firm or syndic that administers your rent, for more information.
To save energy at home, you need to pay close attention to your heating and electricity consumption.
You can make savings by making minor adjustments to reduce your consumption on a daily basis, such as setting the temperature in each room correctly, installing thermostatic valves to better manage temperatures and heating periods, and having your boiler serviced to ensure that it is working properly. For this purpose you can have an energy evaluation (Heizungscheck) carried out by a qualified technician, for example, during the next appointment under your maintenance contract.
Of course, you can carry out more comprehensive and important measures by improving the insulation of your home, while taking advantage of the Klimabonus subsidy programme. When it comes to your electricity consumption, you can start by replacing energy-hungry appliances and installing LED light bulbs.
Find out tips for consuming less energy more efficiently on energie-spueren.lu
Various programmes provided by energy suppliers are aimed at consumers in order to promote energy savings.
Contact your electricity or gas supplier directly to find out what solutions they can offer you. Many of the suppliers also offer energy-saving awareness tools on their websites.
As a private individual, you can benefit from a range of subsidies for the sustainable construction of your future home, to finance your energy renovation projects or to replace your old fossil fuel boiler with a more environmentally friendly alternative and even to produce your own electricity via solar energy.
The State offers support via the Klimabonus programme, which provides you with a range of State subsidies for these projects. You can also contact your municipality, your energy supplier and the nova naturstroum fund to find out about all the additional assistance you can receive. The Klima-Agence subsidy simulator offers you a comprehensive overview of the different types of subsidy available: aides.klima-agence.lu.
Luxembourg’s municipalities are supported by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development through their participation in the State Climate Pact programme , which subsidises their ambitious efforts in the field of energy and climate policy.
Companies can also benefit from incentives to produce renewable energy.
In the area of energy efficiency, companies can take advantage of environmental protection subsidies and energy supplier subsidies.
Increases in the price of fossil fuels, as well as the need to protect our planet, are determining factors in adopting more economical and environmentally friendly facilities instead of the old fuel oil, gas or electric heating systems.
There is a variety of alternative installations that you can consider:
If you would like to find out which subsidies are available to you, as well as the terms and conditions of award and technical requirements, use the Klima-Agence subsidy simulator to find out more.
And to start your project, discover the steps to follow to ensure the success of your heating system replacement project
No, electric heaters are not a sensible alternative because they are more expensive than heating with gas. To allow you to compare, the prices* as of 4 November 2022 were as follows:
In addition to the significant financial disadvantages associated with the use of electric heaters, the simultaneous use of a large number of heaters is likely to have a negative impact on the management of the electricity grid, because – in contrast to the case of electric car charging stations linked to smart meters – managers do not have any possibilities of intervening in the event of local load-shedding needs.
It is therefore better to optimise the use of your existing heating solution: consult the Klima-Agence tips
*source : calculix.lu
In Luxembourg, consumers are free to choose their energy supplier. There is a convenient comparison platform for evaluating the gas and electricity prices charged by the various suppliers: calculix.lu
The three suppliers who sell gas to households in Luxembourg have different billing systems.
The principle of advance payment is used by one supplier: customers make advance payments for 12 months and then, at the end of the year, they receive a statement of the total price of the gas consumed and the amounts paid on account. An adjustment can then be made according to the actual level of consumption.
Another alternative is that the price is based on the current market price. Due to the sharp rise in the price of gas in recent months, the various suppliers are looking at what they will have to charge customers in the future. This type of billing reduces the difference between the advance payments made and the amount to be paid during the settlement period.
If the supplier has to adjust their prices during the year, they can also adjust the advance payments – again to reduce the difference in the settlement. In this case, the advance payments are a way to draw the consumer’s attention to the fact that their gas bill will increase and to spread the billing over the year.
There are suppliers who adapt the advance payments to consumption on a seasonal basis: more in winter and less in summer. Other suppliers charge the same advance payment throughout the year.
There are suppliers who bill actual consumption every month. For this type of billing, the consumer needs a suitable meter.
If the supplier wants to change the gas price (increase or decrease), they must announce this at least one month in advance (amended Law of 1 August 2007 on the organisation of the gas market). The communication may be made via the press or on the supplier’s website.
First of all, compare the prices of various energy suppliers on the calculix platform calculix.lu.
In addition to this information, it is important to read and understand the terms of your contract (notice period or other conditions), as well as the bills that you receive. With all this information you will be able to choose a provider whose quality and range of services will be better suited to your needs.
You can also consult the ILR website (Institut Luxembourgeois de Régulation) about the choice of an energy supplier.
If you find yourself in a situation of energy poverty and are having difficulty paying your heating or electricity bills, you can contact the Social Office responsible for your municipality. The Social Office will be familiar with the legal measures that apply in such situations and will deal with your case together with your energy supplier.
In addition, the Social Office can request that a Klima-Agence advisor come to your home to give you advice on how to consume less energy more efficiently. It will also explain how you can benefit from subsidies of up to 75% of the purchase price when replacing your energy-hungry appliances.
Learn more about energy poverty assistance
We must all make energy savings, whether we are a private or public actor in Luxembourg society. We must act together and make savings on a daily basis.
If you are a company, a municipality or an institution, you can draw attention to your contribution by using the Zesumme spueren – Zesummenhalen campaign logo in all your communications. Not only will you raise awareness of your actions, but you will encourage others to follow your example.
Rising fuel prices, improving air quality and protecting our planet are all valid reasons to optimise our driving habits and the use of our vehicles and thus reduce our fuel costs.
Changing energy-intensive driving habits, carpooling, using public transport more often, active mobility, using electromobility and combining modes of transport to carry out daily journeys are all viable alternatives that have a real impact on our energy costs and help to protect the planet. Find some tips for reducing your energy consumption when on the move.
In September 2022, the government launched the major energy-saving campaign "Zesumme spueren - Zesummenhalen". The aim of the campaign is to encourage the whole of society to save energy - the state, local authorities, businesses and citizens - in order to achieve a 15% reduction in demand for natural gas.
In April 2023, a positive balance sheet was drawn up at the end of the first gas savings period running from the 1st of August 2022 to the 31st of March 2023. With a cumulative reduction of 26.3%, Luxembourg managed to exceed its target. This result is the fruit of a collective effort. Luxembourg has shown great solidarity and agility at all levels: State, municipalities, businesses and citizens.
In order to prepare for the coming winter and guarantee security of supply, a decision has been taken at European level to extend this measure for a further year - until the 31st of March 2024.
In its efforts to reduce energy consumption, the government is initially relying on voluntary actions by citizens and companies, in accordance with the models of the European Union regulation, in order to achieve rapid and effective results. The State must lead by example and the government has adopted guidelines for public buildings. For the municipalities, recommendations apply that can be strengthened within the framework of municipal autonomy.
It is pointless to impose a national and general requirement in terms of heating temperature for housing because it cannot be applied to all premises and all activities; it is more effective, in the workplace, to follow the minimum recommendations of the ITM, which are based on the work environment.
In the private realm, recommendations also vary by location:
Discover more tips for reducing your heating consumption www.klima-agence.lu/fr/je-fais-baisser-ma-facture-de-chauffage
The contribution of all stakeholders in society is important if we want to manage our energy costs. This is why the role of each municipality is central to this process.
In addition to all the measures that municipal administrations can implement in their area, particularly within the framework of the range of measures of the Climate Pact, we invite them to draw attention to their efforts by using the Zesumme spueren – Zesummenhalen logo in their communications. As part of the national initiative, municipalities can thus publicise and raise awareness among fellow citizens to consume less energy more efficiently.
All municipalities can now pay more attention in terms of energy consumption, and more specifically their natural gas consumption, in order to reduce possible gas supply issues in Europe next winter. Circular 4168 of 5 August 2022 sets out the current guidelines for municipal administrations, unions of municipalities and public bodies under the supervision of municipalities.
The potential for energy savings is wide-ranging and often already identified (energy audits, best practices, etc.), for example:
There are still a multitude of other energy-efficiency measures within the framework of the various municipal activities, specific to each municipality, often already identified by the technical departments and set out in the catalogue of measures of the Climate Pact and which we encourage decision-makers at municipal level to explore and prioritise.
Like all stakeholders in civil society, state actors must also make efforts to save energy.
The potential for energy savings is wide-ranging and often already identified (energy audits, best practices, etc.), for example:
To save energy at home, you need to pay attention to your overall heating and electricity consumption.
Some of the savings you can make are based on the small things you can do on a daily basis to reduce your consumption, such as appropriately adjusting the temperature in each room, installing programmable thermostatic valves* to better manage the individual temperatures and heating periods, as well as avoiding to turn off your boiler and having it serviced regularly to ensure it is working properly. In regards to the latter, you should have a "Heizungscheck" energy assessment carried out by a qualified craftsman.For example, this could simultaneously be performed during your next appointment, as part of your maintenance contract.
There are, of course more comprehensive and important measures that you can take, for instance by improving the insulation of your home and thus taking advantage of the Klimabonus subsidy programme.
As far as your electricity consumption is concerned, you can start by replacing energy-hungry household appliances and installing LED light bulbs.
Find tips on how to consume less and better on energie-spueren.lu.
* There are different types of thermostatic valves with variating degrees of electricity consumption. This factor should be taken into account when making your choice.
In its efforts to reduce energy consumption, the government is at first relying on voluntary efforts by citizens and businesses, in accordance with the EU regulation's guidelines, to achieve rapid and effective results. The state must set an example and the government has adopted policies focussing on public buildings. For the municipalities, a set of recommendations have been given, which they can reinforce within the framework of municipal autonomy.
There is no point in imposing a general national requirement for heating temperatures in housing, as this cannot be applied to all premises and activities; instead, it is more prudent to focus on the minimum recommendations of the ITM in the workplace, depending on the work environment.
On a personal level, the recommendations also vary according to the premises:
Find out more tips on how to reduce your heating consumption www.klima-agence.lu/fr/je-fais-baisser-ma-facture-de-chauffage
Whether you have a conventional, low-temperature or condensing boiler, your gas boiler works most energy efficient under certain conditions. Otherwise, like any other appliance that is used incorrectly, it risks over-consuming energy unnecessarily.
To ensure that the system operates efficiently the heating circuits should be adjusted appropriately by a specialist. Additionally, there are various programme options (summer mode, holiday mode, winter mode) available to the user.
In addition, it is recommended to use the night-time reduction of a few Kelvin for the radiators. This setting is made directly on the boiler and allows the temperature of the radiators to be lowered.
In order to ensure long-term frost protection, the heater should ideally never be switched off completely.
By applying for the cost-of-living allowance on the basis of the cost-of-living allowance form, you have at the same time applied for the energy premium (the energy premium is a supplement to the cost-of-living allowance). Also, the granting of the cost-of-living allowance automatically entitles you to the energy premium.
The application may be submitted from 1 January until 31 October of the year in question.
To be considered complete, an application must be:
If you have any questions about the applications, you can contact the cost-of-living service by phone (491081 – 999)
The cost-of-living allowance service processes files according to the date of entry of applications. Due to the large number of files to be processed each year, it is impossible to provide more information.
In the event of a problem, the manager will contact the applicant. The National Solidarity Fund will send a decision after the case has been examined.
No, it is not possible to receive an advance on the cost-of-living allowance/energy premium as the National Solidarity Fund processes applications made on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fair treatment of applications.
According to the regulation, in case of a debt to the National Solidarity Fund, the latter withholds up to half of the cost-of-living allowance to repay the overpayment. However, no deduction will be made from the energy premium.
The cost-of-living allowance/energy bonus is reduced when the annual (gross) income limit of 12 months prior to the application is exceeded. The amount exceeding this limit is deducted from the amount of the allowance (set by Article 5 of the Regulation). In case of a positive result, the reduced allowance is automatically paid to the applicant; no further application is necessary.
In principle, the National Solidarity Fund considers people living in a common household as forming a common domestic community and therefore takes into account the income of all inhabitants of the dwelling.
The National Solidarity Fund is prepared to consider a person living in a shared flat as forming a domestic community separate from that of the other flatmates if the following conditions are met:
The composition of the household at the time of application is taken into account for the calculation of the cost-of-living allowance/energy bonus. Changes after the application has been submitted do not affect the calculation of the cost-of-living allowance/energy bonus and you do not need to inform the National Solidarity Fund about changes in household composition after the application has been submitted.
In order to determine the overall annual income of the domestic community, the SNSF takes into account the total gross income of the 12 months preceding the month of application and determines a monthly average.
Yes, the National Solidarity Fund accepts registration at a reference address under certain conditions.
The National Solidarity Fund will accept registration at a reference address if the person concerned is effectively and continuously staying at a fixed address that does not allow for an official address (e.g. in the event of hospitalisation or therapy, a permanent stay at a campsite or holiday cottage or accommodation built in a green zone, emergency rehousing in a hotel, etc.) and provided that all the other conditions for granting are met.
No, the National Solidarity Fund can only accept one application per year and per person.
No, according to the regulation, the cost-of-living allowance/energy premium can only be transferred to the personal current account of the main applicant with a Luxembourg bank.
A change of bank account after the submission of your application is still possible. Simply send the National Solidarity Fund (by post) the bank account details (RIB) in the name of the main applicant for the new bank account.
For the extension/application of Kultur-Pass cards you have to go to one of the 14 collection points (link in annex / collection point at the bottom of the page) with the decision of the cost of living allowance of the National Solidarity Fund.
Applicants must apply to the Housing Aid Service (SAL) 1 of the Ministry of Housing using a specific form. The original form - duly filled in and signed - can be submitted to the SAL by mail or by depositing at their offices.
Applications submitted electronically (to the e-mail address: guichet@ml.etat.lu) are accepted, but applicants will have to confirm it in writing (a confirmation document will be provided by the SAL).
The postal address is as follows:
Service des aides au logement
11, rue de Hollerich
L-1741 - Luxembourg
The documents to be provided are the following:
If the applicant does not have Luxembourg nationality, a valid certificate relating to the applicant's right of residence (registration certificate, permanent residence certificate, residence permit, residence card)
A subsidy cannot be granted if the file is incomplete. In this case, the person in charge of the file will request the documents needed to process the application further.
Important: When filling in the form, applicants have the possibility to authorise the SAL to access some of their personal data held by other administrations, in this case the National Solidarity Fund (FNS) and the Children's Future Fund (CAE)
With this authorisation, the SAL has the possibility to retrieve some of the required documents to process the initial application or the annual review more quickly. If applicants do not consent, they will be requested to provide these additional documents.
The application can be submitted at any time of the year.
In principle, the aid is granted from the date of application, if all conditions are met at the time of application.
The rent subsidy is paid monthly during the second half of the month.
No.
It is not possible to receive an advance payment on the rent subsidy.
The SAL processes applications and documents according to their date of submission to ensure fair treatment of applications.
The amount of the monthly aid is always the maximum granted based on income of the domestic community. From a certain income level, the amount of the rent subsidy decreases according to the income of the domestic community.
If the income of the domestic community exceeds the statutory income limit, the rent subsidy is no longer due.
To determine the domestic community, the SAL takes into account the applicant and the people living with him.
Yes.
In accordance with the legal provisions, the amount of the rent subsidy varies according to the domestic composition of the applicant.
Any change in the composition of the household must therefore be reported to the SAL so that the amount of the subsidy can be reassessed.
If the applicant fails to inform the SAL of any change in their situation that could affect the grant, the unduly granted financial aid must be repaid.
The income of the domestic community used as the basis for the calculation is the sum of:
The combined income of all people living in the dwelling rented by the applicant and who are registered residents at this place (for example: parents, the applicant's children or any other person), is taken into account.
Maintenance payments are deducted.
Social benefits are not taken into account in the domestic community's income (family benefits, back-to-school allowance, child allowance, cost-of-living allowance, etc.).
Yes.
The amount of the rent subsidy is determined, in addition to other criteria, by the income of the domestic community. Therefore, any change of employer, employment status, etc. of a person in the domestic community needs to be reported.
Yes, but only upon reasoned application and approval by the Minister. The applicant must live in the dwelling for which the rent subsidy is requested in order to be eligible for the aid.
In order to verify compliance with this condition, Article 2, paragraph 1 of the Act provides that "the applicant shall be declared at the address of the dwelling which is their main and permanent residence".
However, in accordance with paragraph 2 of the same article, the Minister may derogate from this condition, upon written, duly substantiated and documented request for reasons relating to the family, financial or health situation.
Yes.
New applications can be submitted at any time. The case is reassessed and aid is granted from the date of the request of review on, if conditions are met.
The rent subsidy is paid into the bank account indicated by the applicant on the application form.
In the case of financial management by a Social Office, the aid is transferred to the Social Office's bank account if a copy of the relevant mandate is included in the application.
Yes.
Upon written and signed request, the beneficiary may ask at any time for the aid to be transferred to a different bank account.
For more details on the new energy subsidies, please visit www.subventions-energie.lu.
Since October 2022, the price of gas for households has been limited to +15% based on the average price level in September 2022. The selling price of liquefied natural gas has been temporarily reduced by €0.20/kg. Since January 2023, the VAT on gas has also been reduced from 8% to 7%.
In November 2022, a reduction in the sale price of heating oil of 15 cents/l was introduced.
Since January 2023, the VAT on heating oil has also been reduced from 14% to 13%.
As of the 1 st of January 2023, a reduction in the sale price of wood pellets used for domestic heating has been introduced: up to 35% of the price, with a maximum of €200 per ton.
The price of electricity for households are frozen in 2023 and 2024 at the 2022 level. Similarly, the prices at publicly accessible charging points for electric vehicles will be stabilised for 2023 and 2024.
VAT on electricity has been reduced from 8% to 7% since the beginning of 2023.
Since the 1 st of October 2022, residential customers connected to a district heating network benefit from a price increase limited to +15% based on the average price level in September 2022.
All measures apply until the end of 2024.
Are you a company with questions about energy or a potential aid? Find the answers here.
In order to save energy, companies must focus on key levers such as heating, air conditioning, natural and mechanical ventilation, lighting, mobility and hot water consumption. All of these levers have an impact on either electricity consumption or on the consumption of the energy vector used for heating and hot water (e.g. natural gas).
Against the backdrop of energy shortages, short-term measures such as behavioural changes and control measures (adjusting settings) will have a direct impact and are easily implemented. Nevertheless, medium- and long-term measures, such as investments in energy efficiency and decarbonisation measures should not be ruled out as they help to achieve the goal of decarbonisation and thus contribute to a structural decrease in the energy bill.
The measures that are most easily implemented fall into two main categories: behavioural measures and regulations.
The potential for energy savings is wide-ranging and often already identified (energy audits, best practices, etc.), for example:
In a company, there is also a wide range of other energy efficiency measures that are specific to the company’s activities. Additional information can be found on the Klima-Agence website under best practices in the workshop and best practices in the office.
There are two levels of support available.
Firstly, financial support, i.e. State aid and financial support from the energy suppliers.
Financial aid is broken down into various areas, including the following, which are relevant to the energy crisis:
In terms of energy efficiency, the Ministry of the Economy offers investment subsidies for environmental protection, support for consulting services for SMEs and support for various investments for SMEs, while electricity and natural gas suppliers offer support under the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme (EEOS).
In terms of renewable energy, the Ministry of Energy and and Spatial Planning offers support for the production of electricity from renewable energy sources.
Finally, there is a support system for companies particularly affected by the rise in energy prices, created at the end of July by the Ministry of the Economy.
The second part provides support in terms of know-how. This support is offered by the trade chambers and institutional stakeholders affected by the issues relating to the energy crisis in companies, such as:
In addition to the two components listed above, a more structural aid programme is available, the Luxinnovation Fit 4 Sustainability programme.
In order to support companies particularly affected by the increase in energy prices caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the government established a specific aid scheme on 15 July 2022.
The aid scheme establishes two types of aid to cover:
More information about the persons concerned, the eligible costs and the practical details can be found at guichet.lu
In this context, the House of Entrepreneurship offers, in cooperation with the Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts, a webinar and information videos.
Europe is going through a period of uncertainty in terms of energy supply. Even though Luxembourg is well interconnected to the energy supply networks of neighbouring countries, it is preparing for possible shortages in all energy sectors.
To this end, plans and procedures are in place or are being updated as necessary in order to deal with any future crises. These include the emergency plan and gas reduction measures, load-shedding plans and the energy conservation awareness campaign for gas and electricity.
In the event of an emergency affecting various sectors, the Power cut emergency response plan (electricity and natural gas) drawn up by the Office of the High Commissioner for National Protection (HCPN) will be activated. In addition, regular and exhaustive exchanges take place between the Ministry of Energy and Spatial Planning and energy suppliers, network operators and responsible public actors in our neighbouring countries (in particular Belgium and Germany).
First of all, you should compare the prices of the various energy suppliers on the calculix platform.
In addition to this information, it is important to read and understand the terms of your contract (notice period and other conditions), as well as the bills that you receive. With all this information you will be able to choose a provider whose quality and range of services will be better suited to your needs.
You can also consult the ILR (Institut Luxembourgeois de Régulation) website concerning the choice of a gas supplier and or electricity supplier.
The energy transition is based on two basic principles: reducing energy consumption and producing/purchasing the remaining energy using sustainable and renewable sources.
When it comes to reducing consumption, a company has various levers, such as heating, air conditioning, natural and mechanical ventilation, lighting, mobility, hot water consumption, etc. However, it is a question of identifying measures to be carried out in the short, medium and long term in order to gradually realise the full savings potential.
For the remaining consumption, the decarbonisation principle applies. The application of a strategic approach to long-term decarbonisation results in a shift from non-renewable to renewable energy carriers. Ideally, the company itself will contribute to the production of this renewable energy.
Various programmes provided by energy suppliers are aimed at consumers in order to promote energy savings.
Contact your electricity or gas supplier directly to find out what solutions they can offer you. Many of them also offer energy-saving awareness tools on their websites.
In Luxembourg, consumers are free to choose their energy supplier. Unlike the residential market, suppliers are not obliged to offer the same conditions to all business customers.
This gives companies the opportunity to negotiate their price, especially if they have a large consumption. Suppliers are thus likely to offer standard products to businesses that are not published, such as fixed prices for a fixed period of time based on the wholesale market price at the time of subscription.
The three suppliers who sell gas to companies in Luxembourg offer different price structures and billing methods.
In some cases, the principle of advance payments is used: customers make advance payments for 11 months and then, at the end of the year, they receive the statement of the total costs of the gas consumed and the amounts paid on account. An adjustment is then made according to the actual consumption.
If the supplier adjusts their prices during the year, it is also possible that they adjust the advance payments as a consequence – again to reduce the difference in the outstanding amount. In this case, the adjusted advance payments are a way to draw the consumer’s attention to the fact that their gas bill will increase and to spread the billing over the year.
Some suppliers adapt the advance payments according to consumption on a seasonal basis: more in winter and less in summer. Other suppliers charge the same advance payment throughout the year.
An alternative price structure may be an approach where the price varies every month based on the current wholesale market price and the volume of gas consumed.
This type of product is usually billed monthly based on actual consumption. This method of billing reduces the difference between the advance payments made and the total cost of the real consumption to be paid during the settlement period. Some suppliers offer billing based on actual consumption every month regardless of the price structure.
For this type of billing, which avoids the need for an annual statement, the consumer needs a suitable meter.
If the supplier wants to change the gas price (increase or decrease), they must announce this at least one month in advance (amended Law of 1 August 2007 on the organisation of the natural gas market). The communication may be made via the press or on the supplier’s website.
Gas and electricity supplies are currently very tight throughout Europe, mainly due to reduced gas imports from Russia. As far as electricity supply is concerned, the main issues impacting the production of electricity in Europe are the recent difficulties encountered by the nuclear power plants in France, the high temperatures during the summer, the level of rivers and the lack of rain.
For this reason, under Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1369 of 5 August 2022 on coordinated demand-reduction measures for gas, Member States of the European Union are called upon to take measures to reduce natural gas consumption by around 15% in order to tackle the gas supply issues and thus preserve gas supply security in Europe, in a spirit of solidarity.
In order to ensure that consumers in the Union are adequately protected against gas supply shortages next winter, Member States are also required to ensure that underground natural gas storage facilities in Europe are at least 80% full by 1 November of this year, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2022/1032 of 29 June 2022 with regard to gas storage. Member States without underground storage facilities – as is the case of Luxembourg – are obliged to store at least 15% of their average annual gas consumption over the previous five years in underground storage facilities located in one or more other Member States.
If you are having trouble paying your bill, you should first contact your supplier.
With regard to a possible reduction in production or a halt in production by a large energy-consuming company following a government decision based on an emergency plan, or even load shedding, that requires a reduction in gas consumption, a joint proposal by the Minister of the Economy and the Minister of Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy has been agreed with the social partners within the Short-term economic policy committee.
The proposal provides that if such a case arises with an impact on employees’ jobs, the companies concerned may resort to short-time working in order to maintain employment and, consequently, to avoid lay-offs.
24/01/2023
2m 58s
Déi gréissten Energiequell déi mir Mënschen zur Verfügung hunn ass d’Sonn. Wien dës Energie notze wëll, kann dat op verschidde Manéieren maachen.
17/01/2023
2m 27s
Beim Lëften kann een net direkt Energie spueren, mee duerch richteg Lëfte verhënnert een dass ze vill Energie verbraucht gëtt.
03/01/2023
2m 43s
Wann een doheem un Energiespueren denkt, dann denkt ee ganz dacks als aller éischt un d’Hëtzen.