I can’t pay my energy bill in Norway. Can they cut me off?
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 Norway
Protection against cut-off
Only the grid company can cut supply, and only for substantial non-payment. It must try to contact you and send a written notice giving four weeks to pay. No cut-off if it endangers life or health, or if social services take over the debt.
Help if money is tight
There is no income-based social tariff. Households without Norgespris get strømstøtte automatically: 90% of the hourly spot price above 77 øre/kWh (2026), up to 5,000 kWh/month. People in hardship can ask NAV for social assistance.
🪜 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 Norway.
- 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
❓ Questions
Can they cut me off without warning?
No, written notice is required. The exact period for Norway is on this page.
Is there winter protection?
Some countries have it. The rules for Norway 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
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