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Electricity & gas · Finland
Checked 2026-09-27

💸 I can’t pay my energy bill in Finland. 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 Finland

Protection against cut-off

A cut-off warning can come two weeks after a payment reminder; power can be cut at the earliest five weeks after the due date. Serious illness or unemployment: two months. Electrically heated permanent homes: not before four months from October to April.

Official source: energiavirasto.fi · Checked 2026-09-27

Help if money is tight

There is no social electricity tariff. If you have trouble paying, ask the company for extra time or a payment plan, and contact Kela, as electricity is an essential service.

Official source: energiavirasto.fi · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

  1. Act before the deadlineContact the supplier as soon as you know you cannot pay and ask for a payment plan. Put it in writing.
  2. Check the protection rulesSee below what notice the supplier must give and when a cut-off is not allowed in Finland.
  3. Ask for supportCheck the support scheme below and contact free debt or energy advice.
  4. Answer every letterKeep copies. If a cut-off is announced wrongly, complain straight away to the supplier and the dispute body.

📇 Who to contact

Alueellinen energianeuvonta (Energiavirasto / Motiva)Free advice on energy costs and saving energyWhen bills are too high or you are behind on payments🔗 energiavirasto.fi/energianeuvonta
KuluttajariitalautakuntaSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint🔗 www.kuluttajariita.fi
EnergiavirastoSupervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 029 5050 000🔗 energiavirasto.fi

❓ Questions

Can they cut me off without warning?

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

Is there winter protection?

Some countries have it. The rules for Finland 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.

🔗 Also useful

🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→📣Complaint about a supplier→

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