diff --git a/i3pystatus/openvpn.py b/i3pystatus/openvpn.py
index a6f6d98..5230353 100644
--- a/i3pystatus/openvpn.py
+++ b/i3pystatus/openvpn.py
@@ -30,8 +30,9 @@ class OpenVPN(IntervalModule):
     status_up = '▲'
     status_down = '▼'
     format = "{vpn_name} {status}"
-    status_command = "bash -c 'systemctl show openvpn@%(vpn_name)s | grep ActiveState=active'"
 
+    use_new_service_name = False
+    status_command = "bash -c 'systemctl show openvpn@%(vpn_name)s | grep ActiveState=active'"
     vpn_up_command = "sudo /bin/systemctl start openvpn@%(vpn_name)s.service"
     vpn_down_command = "sudo /bin/systemctl stop openvpn@%(vpn_name)s.service"
 
@@ -46,6 +47,7 @@ class OpenVPN(IntervalModule):
         ("status_down", "Symbol to display when down"),
         ("status_up", "Symbol to display when up"),
         ("vpn_name", "Name of VPN"),
+        ("use_new_service_name", "Use new openvpn service names (openvpn 2.4^)"),
         ("vpn_up_command", "Command to bring up the VPN - default requires editing /etc/sudoers"),
         ("vpn_down_command", "Command to bring up the VPN - default requires editing /etc/sudoers"),
         ("status_command", "command to find out if the VPN is active"),
@@ -55,6 +57,11 @@ class OpenVPN(IntervalModule):
         if not self.vpn_name:
             raise Exception("vpn_name is required")
 
+        if self.use_new_service_name:
+            self.status_command = "bash -c 'systemctl show openvpn-client@%(vpn_name)s | grep ActiveState=active'"
+            self.vpn_up_command = "sudo /bin/systemctl start openvpn-client@%(vpn_name)s.service"
+            self.vpn_down_command = "sudo /bin/systemctl stop openvpn-client@%(vpn_name)s.service"
+
     def toggle_connection(self):
         if self.connected:
             command = self.vpn_down_command