I can’t pay my energy bill in Hungary. Can they cut me off?

The short answer

A cut-off is the last step, not the first. There are rules on notice and protection, and help if your income is low.

📜 The rules in Hungary

Protection against cut-off

A household can be cut off only after more than 60 days' payment delay, two written notices (the second by registered post) and a failed attempt to agree instalments or deferral. People whose life or health depends on electricity cannot be disconnected. After paying everything, reconnection is requested within 24 hours.

Official source: mvmnext.hu · Checked 2026-09-27

Help if money is tight

Large families get extra reduced-price gas (at least +600 m³/year for three children, +300 m³ per further child; apply at the government office). Daily use of certain medical devices gives +1,697 kWh electricity. Vulnerable customers can get instalments, deferral or a free prepayment meter.

Többletkedvezmények (nagycsaládos gázkedvezmény, gyógyászati segédeszköz) és védendő fogyasztói kedvezmények 🔗 mvmnext.hu

Official source: mvmnext.hu · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

Act before the deadlineContact the supplier as soon as you know you cannot pay and ask for a payment plan. Put it in writing.
Check the protection rulesSee below what notice the supplier must give and when a cut-off is not allowed in Hungary.
Ask for supportCheck the support scheme below and contact free debt or energy advice.
Answer every letterKeep copies. If a cut-off is announced wrongly, complain straight away to the supplier and the dispute body.

📇 Who to contact

Többletkedvezmények (nagycsaládos gázkedvezmény, gyógyászati segédeszköz) és védendő fogyasztói kedvezményekDiscount or support scheme for energy costsIf you have a low income or receive benefits🔗 www.mvmnext.hu/lakossagirezsi

Békéltető testületek (regionális békéltető testületek)Settles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint🔗 bekeltetes.hu

Magyar Energetikai és Közmű-szabályozási Hivatal (MEKH)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 +36 1 459 7740 🔗 www.mekh.hu

❓ Questions

Can they cut me off without warning?

No, written notice is required. The exact period for Hungary is on this page.

Is there winter protection?

Some countries have it. The rules for Hungary are shown on this page.

Does a payment plan stop a cut-off?

A payment plan you keep to generally prevents a cut-off. Get it confirmed in writing.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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💸 I can’t pay my energy bill in Hungary. Can they cut me off?