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

Protection against cut-off

Only the distribution company may cut supply for unpaid bills, and only after the due date and a written warning sent 30 days in advance. It may charge fees for disconnection and reconnection.

Official source: reglugerd.is · Checked 2026-09-27

Help if money is tight

No income-based social tariff. Owners or tenants without adequate geothermal heating can apply to Umhverfis- og orkustofnun for a state subsidy on electric heating, covering distribution and transmission costs up to 40,000 kWh a year.

Niðurgreiðslur húshitunar (heating subsidy, not income-based) 🔗 uos.is

Official source: uos.is · 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 Iceland.
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

Orkusetur (Umhverfis- og orkustofnun)Free advice on energy costs and saving energyWhen bills are too high or you are behind on payments🔗 orkusetur.is

Kærunefnd vöru- og þjónustukaupaSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 +354 510 1125 🔗 island.is/v/kaerunefnd-voru-og-thjonustukaupa

Raforkueftirlitið (Umhverfis- og orkustofnun)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 +354 569 6000 🔗 uos.is/raforkueftirlitid

❓ Questions

Can they cut me off without warning?

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

Is there winter protection?

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