Medical & vulnerable energy customers in Albania

The short answer

People who rely on electrically powered medical equipment, older people and people on a low income often get extra protection. You usually have to register or tell your supplier and grid operator.

📜 The rules in Albania

Vulnerable and medical customers

Households with 'customer in need' status (statusi i klientit në nevojë, granted on social criteria set by the Council of Ministers) are entered in a register kept by the grid operator OSSH and your supplier, fed with data from the ministry responsible for social welfare; you can ask for your register data at any time. If you or a family member depend on electrically powered life-support equipment, tell the Universal Service Supplier in writing: a registered customer who is critically dependent on electricity cannot be cut off for unpaid bills. Supply may also not be cut while your application for the status is being processed.

Even with the status, supply may be cut if you refuse more than one payment plan offered in the last 12 months, do not contact the supplier to agree one, break an agreed plan or pay nothing for more than 4 months, use state support money for other purposes, or your home's electrical installation does not meet the technical rules. (ere.gov.al)
If you lose the status, the social-welfare authority removes you from the register and your customer-in-need contract ends at the end of the second month after deregistration; your data are kept for 5 years. (ere.gov.al)
If the supplier breaks these rules, complain to it first; then you can complain to ERE within 90 calendar days of noticing the breach. (ere.gov.al)

Official source: ere.gov.al · Checked 2026-10-20

🪜 Step by step

Check who counts as vulnerableSee below who is protected in Albania and what the protection covers.
Register or inform your supplierAsk your supplier and grid operator how to register. A doctor's certificate may be needed.
Plan for a power cutProtection against cut-offs for debt does not stop faults. Keep a backup plan for your equipment.
Keep your details up to dateTell your supplier when your situation changes, and renew any certificate in time.

📇 Who to contact

Statusi i "klientit në nevojë"Discount or support scheme for energy costsIf you have a low income or receive benefits🔗 www.ere.gov.al/doc/Rregullorja_per_kriteret_e__nderprerjes_te_Klienteve_ne_Nevoje_per_QPZ_-_final.pdf

Enti Rregullator i Energjisë (ERE) – trajtimi i ankesaveSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 0800 2323 🔗 www.ere.gov.al/sq/sherbime-konsumatori/formulari-i-ankesave

Enti Rregullator i Energjisë (ERE)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 0800 2323 🔗 www.ere.gov.al

❓ Questions

Can I be cut off for debt if I am registered?

Many countries forbid or limit cut-offs for protected customers. The rules for Albania are on this page.

Will I be warned before planned works?

Registered customers are often told about planned interruptions in advance. Ask your grid operator.

Is there help with the costs?

Many countries have a social tariff or support scheme. Ask your supplier and your municipality.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-10-20

🧭 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 depend on medical equipment or I am vulnerable: is there extra protection in Albania?