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

Protection against cut-off

If a household does not pay, the supplier may send a warning no earlier than 10 days after the due date. Only if you still do not pay, at least 20 days after the warning, can it ask the grid operator to cut supply. Supply is restored within 5 days after payment.

Official source: likumi.lv · Checked 2026-09-27

Help if money is tight

Protected users get a monthly discount on their electricity bill: EUR 20 for low-income households, families with a disabled child and people with group I disability; EUR 25 for large families. No application needed: it is applied automatically by participating suppliers.

Aizsargātā lietotāja atbalsts (elektroenerģija) 🔗 kem.gov.lv

Official source: kem.gov.lv · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 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 Latvia.
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

Aizsargātā lietotāja atbalsts (elektroenerģija)Discount or support scheme for energy costsIf you have a low income or receive benefits🔗 www.kem.gov.lv/lv/atbalsts-elektroenergijas-pateretajiem

Mājokļa pabalsts (pašvaldības sociālais dienests)Free advice on energy costs and saving energyWhen bills are too high or you are behind on payments🔗 www.lm.gov.lv/lv/majokla-pabalsts

Sabiedrisko pakalpojumu regulēšanas komisija (SPRK) – sūdzības un strīdiSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 +371 67097200 🔗 www.sprk.gov.lv/lv/sudzibu-izskatisana-0

Sabiedrisko pakalpojumu regulēšanas komisija (SPRK)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 +371 67097200 🔗 www.sprk.gov.lv

❓ Questions

Can they cut me off without warning?

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

Is there winter protection?

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