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

Protection against cut-off

Supply can be cut if you are at least 30 days late with payment, after a written warning giving you 14 more days. Within those 14 days you can ask for an alternative (e.g. payment plan) or file a complaint, which stops the cut-off. Vulnerable customers cannot be cut off from 1 Nov to 31 Mar or on weekends and holidays.

Official source: ure.gov.pl · Checked 2026-09-27

Help if money is tight

A 'vulnerable electricity customer' (someone receiving housing allowance, dodatek mieszkaniowy) can get a flat-rate energy allowance. Apply at your municipality (wójt, burmistrz or prezydent miasta) with a copy of your electricity contract. It is paid monthly.

Zryczałtowany dodatek energetyczny 🔗 ure.gov.pl

Official source: ure.gov.pl · 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 Poland.
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

Zryczałtowany dodatek energetycznyDiscount or support scheme for energy costsIf you have a low income or receive benefits🔗 www.ure.gov.pl/pl/konsumenci/zbior-praw-konsumenta

Punkt Informacyjny dla Odbiorców Energii i Paliw Gazowych (URE)Free advice on energy costs and saving energyWhen bills are too high or you are behind on payments🔗 www.ure.gov.pl/pl/konsumenci/punkt-informacyjny-dla/4161,Punkt-Informacyjny-dla-Odbiorcow-Energii-i-Paliw-Gazowych.html

Koordynator do spraw negocjacji przy Prezesie URESettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 22 487 56 22 🔗 koordynator.ure.gov.pl

Urząd Regulacji Energetyki (URE)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 22 244 26 36 🔗 www.ure.gov.pl

❓ Questions

Can they cut me off without warning?

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

Is there winter protection?

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