Utilities
Electricity, water, internet, and other essential utilities in Montenegro.
Overview
Setting up and managing utilities is a fundamental part of settling into a new home in Montenegro. While generally straightforward, the process can involve dealing with various providers and understanding local billing practices. This guide covers the main utility services you'll encounter: electricity, water, internet, and other essential services.
Electricity Providers
- Main Provider: Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) is the national electricity provider and generally the only option for electricity supply across Montenegro.
- Setting Up Service: If renting, transfer the account into your name (passport, rental contract/proof of address, sometimes residence permit). For new builds, apply directly with EPCG.
- Billing & Payment: Monthly bills, payable at post offices, banks, EPCG points, or online. Direct debit from a Montenegrin bank is convenient.
- Meter Readings: Manual in some areas, digital meters becoming more common.
Tips: Track your consumption, report issues to EPCG, and be mindful of energy efficiency (especially with AC/heating).
Water Services
- Local Providers: Managed by municipal companies. Example for Podgorica: Vodovod i Kanalizacija Podgorica. For other cities, search for "Vodovod i Kanalizacija [City Name]".
- Setting Up Service: Transfer existing account into your name at the local office (passport, proof of address).
- Billing & Payment: Monthly or bi-monthly bills, payable at post offices, banks, or utility payment points. Online payment may be available.
Tips: Water quality is generally good in urban areas, but some expats prefer bottled water. Check for communal building charges covering shared water in apartments.
Internet & Telecommunications
- Primary Providers:
- Setting Up Service: Visit a provider's store, choose a package, and sign a contract (passport and residence permit needed). Installation will be scheduled.
- Types of Internet: Fiber optic (fastest, urban areas), ADSL/VDSL (widespread), mobile internet (4G/5G, excellent coverage).
- Mobile Phone Services: Prepaid (easy, for short stays), postpaid (contract, for long-term residents).
Tips: Compare packages and pricing, clarify contract terms, and test mobile coverage in your area if relying on mobile internet.
Other Utilities & Services
- Waste Management: Managed by municipal services. Fees often included in communal building charges or on a separate bill.
- Heating: Central heating is less common; most homes use electric heaters, AC units, wood stoves, or gas heaters.
- Hot Water: Usually provided by electric water heaters (boilers) in the apartment.
- Communal Building Fees (Zajednički troškovi / Komunalije): Monthly fees for apartments covering maintenance, cleaning, elevator, and sometimes shared water. Clarify with your landlord.
Disclaimer: This page provides general guidance. Utility services, providers, and regulations can change. Always check with official sources and service providers for the most up-to-date information.