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

Protection against cut-off

Before a cut-off for non-payment you must receive at least two reminders, each with a two-week grace period; the last by registered letter. Cut-offs are not allowed on the last working day before a weekend or public holiday. You have a right to instalments.

Official source: ris.bka.gv.at · Checked 2026-09-27

Help if money is tight

Since 1 April 2026: people exempt from the ORF fee (and receiving e.g. pension, care allowance, social assistance or AMS benefits) pay 6 ct/kWh net energy price for 2,900 kWh a year. Apply for ORF-fee exemption at OBS; the tariff then applies automatically.

Sozialtarif (gestützter Preis) 🔗 bmwet.gv.at

Official source: bmwet.gv.at · 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 Austria.
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

Sozialtarif (gestützter Preis)Discount or support scheme for energy costsIf you have a low income or receive benefits🔗 www.bmwet.gv.at/Services/Infos-FAQ/sozialtarif.html

Energieberatungsstellen der BundesländerFree advice on energy costs and saving energyWhen bills are too high or you are behind on payments🔗 www.oesterreich.gv.at/de/themen/umwelt_und_klima/energie_und_ressourcen_sparen/1/energieberatung

Schlichtungsstelle der E-ControlSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 +43 1 24724 444 🔗 www.e-control.at/en/schlichtungsstelle

E-Control (Energie-Control Austria)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 +43 1 24 7 24-0 🔗 www.e-control.at

❓ Questions

Can they cut me off without warning?

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

Is there winter protection?

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