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

Protection against cut-off

Registered Vulnerable Customers (KOT users, life-support patients, over-70s under income limits) cannot be cut off for debt from November to March and in July–August, get 40 days to pay and interest-free instalments. Apply via IDIKA.

Official source: deddie.gr · Checked 2026-09-27

Help if money is tight

Discounted electricity for low-income households, main residence only, offered by all suppliers. Apply online via gov.gr/IDIKA with your AMKA and supply number; the bill must be in your name. Reapply every year after the tax return deadline.

Κοινωνικό Οικιακό Τιμολόγιο (ΚΟΤ) 🔗 gov.gr

Official source: deddie.gr · 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 Greece.
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

Κοινωνικό Οικιακό Τιμολόγιο (ΚΟΤ)Discount or support scheme for energy costsIf you have a low income or receive benefits🔗 www.gov.gr/el/services/1002210/koinoniko-oikiako-timologio

Συνήγορος του Καταναλωτή (Hellenic Consumer's Ombudsman)Settles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 210 6460862 🔗 www.synigoroskatanaloti.gr/en/energy-and-water

Ρυθμιστική Αρχή Αποβλήτων, Ενέργειας και Υδάτων (ΡΑΑΕΥ) – Κλάδος ΕνέργειαςSupervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 210-3727400 🔗 www.raaey.gr/energeia

❓ Questions

Can they cut me off without warning?

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

Is there winter protection?

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