Utilities in Montenegro: payment and accounting guide

The utility payment system in Montenegro has its own specifics. The main rule for expats and independent travelers: do not expect a paper bill in your mailbox. Postal service works inconsistently, mailboxes are often missing, and bills may simply be left in the building hallway on the meter panel. Full responsibility for timely payment lies with you.

Important: Failure to pay bills, even if you did not physically receive them, leads to penalties and rapid disconnection (especially electricity).

There is no centralized gas supply in the country (gas cylinders are used). Heating is usually electric (air conditioners, heaters). The main monthly payments are electricity and water/sewerage.

Electricity (EPCG)

The only national supplier is Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG). Bills are issued monthly based on actual consumption.

How to find out the amount due?

Since the paper bill may not arrive, use online tools. You will need your customer number (Pretplatni broj) or meter number — they are listed on any old bill.

EPCG website: Register on the official portal for full access to payment history and bills.
SMS request: Available for customers of local banks (e.g., Podgorička banka).
Personal visit: At an EPCG office (Supply center), provide your last name or address.

Ways to pay for electricity

Online on the EPCG website: Card payment with no commission. You need to enter the bill number. This is the most convenient method, available from anywhere in the world.
Digitalni Kiosk app: A popular Montenegrin service for paying utilities and parking.
Banks and post office (Pošta Crne Gore): Payment in cash or by card. In Hipotekarna and NLB banks, fees are often waived when paying via their ATMs/apps.
EPCG offices: Payment at cash desks (for example, in Kotor — Zgrada EPCG, ul. Tabačina bb). Commission 0%.

Lifehack: If you have an account in a Montenegrin bank (NLB, Hipotekarna, CKB, etc.), set up a standing order (automatic debit). This removes routine hassle.

Water supply (Vodovod)

Unlike electricity, water supply is handled by local municipal companies (Vodovod i kanalizacija). Each city has its own legal entity (for example, in Budva, Bar, Herceg Novi, Podgorica).

Water payment specifics

Water utility websites: In large cities (Podgorica, Budva), local Vodovods have websites with balance checking and payment options.
Offices: You can pay at the local water utility cashier. Often one receipt includes payment for water and waste collection (Čistoća).
Shared bills: In apartment buildings, water may sometimes be included in the “building maintenance fee.” Clarify this when renting or buying.

How to take meter readings

Officially, company representatives should take readings monthly. However, if your meter is inside the house or behind a fence (private sector), the inspector may not access it. In this case, you may be billed “by average” or charged later.

Recommendation: To avoid recalculations, take readings yourself once a month and submit them via the supplier’s website or SMS.

Reading instructions:

Analog meters: Record only the black digits (left to right). Red digits (decimal fractions) are ignored.
Digital meters: Record the full displayed value before the decimal point.

Practical tips for expats

Re-registration: If you purchased property or signed a long-term lease, transfer the bills to your name. This is done at the supplier’s office with a passport and contract (sale or lease).
Advance payments: If you do not live in Montenegro permanently, it is recommended to make an advance payment to EPCG and Vodovod to cover fixed fees during your absence.
Apps: Install the Digitalni Kiosk app. It aggregates most utility payments and allows card payments from any bank.
Tariffs: Note that tariffs may change. In 2025, electricity prices were adjusted — follow updates on the regulator’s website.

Utilities in Montenegro: payment and accounting guide