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

Protection against cut-off

Unpaid bills bring interest and late fees, reminders on later bills and a final suspension notice with a deadline. Contact ARMS early to agree instalments. Supply is not cut while a well-founded billing dispute is open; after payment it is restored within about 24 hours.

Official source: enemalta.com.mt · Checked 2026-09-27

Help if money is tight

A social security benefit towards water and electricity bills for eligible households. Apply online to the Department of Social Security with your water and electricity account number, or through a servizz.gov office.

Energy Benefit (Benefiċċju tal-Enerġija) 🔗 socialsecurity.gov.mt

Official source: socialsecurity.gov.mt · 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 Malta.
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

Energy Benefit (Benefiċċju tal-Enerġija)Discount or support scheme for energy costsIf you have a low income or receive benefits🔗 socialsecurity.gov.mt/en/energybenefit

Energy and Water Agency (EWA)Free advice on energy costs and saving energyWhen bills are too high or you are behind on payments🔗 energywateragency.gov.mt

REWS – Dispute Resolution (S.L. 545.30)Settles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 +356 2295 5000 🔗 www.rews.org.mt/dispute-resolution

Regulator for Energy and Water Services (REWS)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 +356 2295 5000 🔗 www.rews.org.mt

❓ Questions

Can they cut me off without warning?

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

Is there winter protection?

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