I can’t pay my energy bill in Estonia. 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 Estonia

Protection against cut-off

For unpaid network bills you get a written notice first; cut-off is allowed after 15 days. It is 30 days if you prove serious illness or job loss. From 1 October to 30 April, homes heated mainly by electricity get 90 days.

Official source: riigiteataja.ee · Checked 2026-09-27

Help if money is tight

There is no social energy tariff. Low-income households can apply to their local government for subsistence benefit (toimetulekutoetus), which can cover electricity and household gas costs as housing costs.

Official source: eesti.ee · 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 Estonia.
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

Toimetulekutoetus (kohalik omavalitsus)Free advice on energy costs and saving energyWhen bills are too high or you are behind on payments🔗 www.eesti.ee/eraisik/et/artikkel/toimetulek-ja-sotsiaalabi/rahaline-abi-ja-toimetulek/toimetulekupiir-ja-toimetulekutoetus

Tarbijavaidluste komisjon (Tarbijakaitse ja Tehnilise Järelevalve Amet)Settles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint🔗 ttja.ee/tarbijavaidluste-komisjon

KonkurentsiametSupervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 +372 667 2400 🔗 www.konkurentsiamet.ee

❓ Questions

Can they cut me off without warning?

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

Is there winter protection?

Some countries have it. The rules for Estonia 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 Estonia. Can they cut me off?