Mass checks in blocks: remote meter reading push

8 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Warsaw and other cities start mass replacements of heating devices ahead of 1 Jan 2027 deadline for remote meter reading.

Mass checks in apartment blocks are about to begin, and they concern remote meter reading. Consequently, residents will soon see technicians and administrators knocking on doors. However, the work aims to replace old devices with systems that allow remote data collection.

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What is happening now in Warsaw and beyond

Authorities and housing managers in several Polish cities plan large-scale replacements this autumn. Moreover, Warsaw already runs several projects. For example, Bródno ordered the swap of 17,941 heat cost allocators. In addition, Włochy signed a contract in August to fit new heat meters with remote data transmission.

Work often starts with an inventory of radiators. Then technicians remove old devices and install new ones. Next they program and test the system. Finally they document the changes and perform an initial correct read. Therefore, residents should expect visits.

Why this matters: the 1 January 2027 deadline

The government set a firm deadline of 1 January 2027. Consequently, owners or managers must replace older devices that lack remote reading. The legal basis appears in the 20 April 2021 energy efficiency amendment. Moreover, the EU directive on energy efficiency keeps the same deadline for pre-existing meters and allocators.

However, law does not force a meter on every radiator. Instead, officials distinguish buildings by technical and economic feasibility. For example, older blocks with vertical heating stacks often use allocators for cost-sharing. In contrast, newer buildings may use individual heat meters for each flat. Therefore, solutions vary by structure.

Remote meter reading: what to expect

Managers want to end the yearly need for an in-person meter read. Consequently, remote meter reading will let data flow without a person entering the home. Moreover, installers may still need to enter flats to swap devices. In addition, the work may require briefly shutting a system or draining water.

Also, the regulator can check documents. The President of the Energy Regulatory Office (URE) may demand records from owners or managers. Therefore, the review can focus on documentation, not door-to-door inspections by URE. However, local administrators will often need to enter flats for inventory and installations.

Costs, penalties and practical steps

Managers bear the legal duty to install devices. Consequently, they usually order the equipment and organize work. However, costs ultimately come from building funds. Therefore, residents should ask about payment rules early.

Moreover, law sets penalties only for non-compliance by owners or managers. For example, article 56 of the Energy Law allows fines from 1,000 to 5,000 PLN. In addition, the regulator may waive fines for minor breaches if the problem ended.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: As an expat you should check notices from your building manager. Ask whether your radiator uses an allocator or a heat meter. Also ask if the device supports remote meter reading. Remember Polish institutions and terms: ZUS (social security), NFZ (national health fund), PESEL (national ID number), and mandatory fines (mandat) mean different things in local practice. Keep installation records and take photos of new device numbers.

Finally, after upgrades, most ordinary reads will take place remotely. Consequently, residents will not need routine in-person visits. However, prepare for installers this autumn. Therefore, confirm identity, ask for a work protocol, and keep the documentation.

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