Utilities and Internet Setup in Poland: A Guide for Residents
Setting up utilities and internet services is a critical step for foreigners moving into a new residence in Poland. The process typically involves transferring existing agreements from the previous occupant or landlord to the new tenant or owner. In 2026, the Polish energy and telecommunications markets are characterized by a high degree of digitalization, enabling many service contracts to be managed online or via mobile applications.
Electricity and Gas
The energy market in Poland is liberalized, allowing consumers to choose their energy supplier. However, the distribution of electricity and gas is managed by regional operators based on the property's location. For residential properties, the most common procedure is a transfer of agreement (przepisanie licznika).
Primary Energy Providers (2026)
| Provider | Primary Region | Services |
|---|---|---|
| PGE (Polska Grupa Energetyczna) | Eastern and Central Poland | Electricity, Gas |
| Enea | Western Poland | Electricity, Gas |
| Tauron | Southern Poland | Electricity, Gas |
| Energa (Orlen Group) | Northern Poland | Electricity, Gas |
| E.ON Polska | Warsaw Area | Electricity |
| PGNiG (Orlen Group) | Nationwide | Primary Gas Supplier |
The CSIRE System
As of late 2025 and into 2026, Poland has fully implemented the Central Energy Market Information System (CSIRE). This system allows residents to track their electricity usage in real-time and switch suppliers more efficiently through a unified digital platform. Consumers can access their metering data using their PESEL number and a Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany).
Water and Waste Management
Water supply and sewage services are managed by municipal utility companies (Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo Wodociągów i Kanalizacji – MPWiK). In rental scenarios, these utilities are usually managed by the landlord or the building administration (Wspólnota or Spółdzielnia) and included in the monthly administrative rent (czynsz administracyjny).
Waste Segregation Requirements
Poland follows a strict five-bin waste segregation system. In 2026, new regulations have increased the financial penalties for households and building communities that fail to comply with sorting rules. The standard bins are:
- Blue: Paper and cardboard.
- Yellow: Metals and plastics.
- Green: Glass.
- Brown: Bio-waste (food scraps).
- Black/Grey: Mixed residual waste.
Internet and Telecommunications
Poland has a competitive telecommunications market with high fiber-optic (FTTH) coverage in urban areas. Most providers offer "triple-play" bundles including internet, television, and mobile services. Contract lengths are typically 12 or 24 months, though "no-commitment" monthly plans are available at higher price points.
Main Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
- Orange Polska: Largest fiber-optic network (Orange Światłowód).
- Play (formerly UPC): Extensive cable and fiber coverage in major cities.
- T-Mobile: Offers both fiber and 5G home office solutions.
- Netia: Known for competitive pricing and regional fiber networks.
- Plus: Primarily mobile-based 5G home internet.
To sign a contract, a foreigner typically needs a passport and a residence card (Karta Pobytu) or a PESEL number. Some providers may request a deposit if the applicant does not have a long-term residence permit.
Practical Handling and Preparation
The Transfer Protocol (Protokół Zdawczo-Odbiorczy)
When moving in, it is essential to complete a transfer protocol with the landlord or previous occupant. This document must record the exact meter readings for electricity, gas, and water. Both parties should sign the document to ensure billing accuracy from the date of handover.
Billing and Payment Cycles
Most utility companies in Poland issue bills every one or two months. Payments are typically made via bank transfer to a dedicated individual account number provided by the utility company. In 2026, the KSeF (National e-Invoicing System) is mandatory for B2B transactions, but residential consumers continue to receive electronic invoices (e-faktura) via email or the provider’s online portal.
Limitations and Exceptions
- Regional Monopolies: While you can choose your energy supplier, you cannot choose the distributor (the owner of the physical wires and pipes), which is determined by geography.
- Shared Utilities: In older buildings, water and heating may not have individual meters for each apartment; instead, costs are divided based on the square footage of the flat or the number of registered residents.
- Termination Notice: Internet and energy contracts usually require a 30-day notice period for termination. Breaking a fixed-term contract early may result in a penalty fee proportional to the remaining months.
Official Resources
For more information on consumer rights and utility regulations, visit: