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Electricity & gas · Sweden
Checked 2026-09-27

💸 I can’t pay my energy bill in Sweden. 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 Sweden

Protection against cut-off

The breach must be significant (e.g. over 1,000 kr or two unpaid bills). You get at least 14 days to pay, then a formally served demand giving three more weeks, and social services are notified. No cut-off if the debt is disputed or if it risks serious injury or damage.

Official source: energimarknadsbyran.se · Checked 2026-09-27

Help if money is tight

There is no social electricity tariff. Before power is cut for non-payment, the company must notify the municipal social services, which can take over responsibility for the debt.

Official source: riksdagen.se · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

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

📇 Who to contact

Energi- och klimatrådgivningenFree advice on energy costs and saving energyWhen bills are too high or you are behind on payments🔗 energiochklimatradgivningen.se
Allmänna reklamationsnämnden (ARN)Settles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint🔗 www.arn.se
Energimarknadsinspektionen (Ei)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 016-16 27 00🔗 ei.se

❓ Questions

Can they cut me off without warning?

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

Is there winter protection?

Some countries have it. The rules for Sweden 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.

🔗 Also useful

🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→📣Complaint about a supplier→

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