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Survey: 38% of residents concerned about their ability to pay utility bills

A significant portion (38%) of Latvia’s population is worried about whether they will be able to pay their monthly utility bills this fall and winter, according to a survey conducted by energy company Elenger in collaboration with Norstat Latvia. Residents acknowledge that they may miss monthly utility payment deadlines, only be able to pay part of the bill, or might not be able to pay at all. Additionally, 14% of residents are still unable to assess their ability to manage utility payments. 

As the heating season approaches, residents are also concerned about the potential increase in heating costs (54%), the availability of heating materials (firewood, pellets, briquettes, etc.) (11%), and the availability of gas related to Russia’s war in Ukraine (7%). Some residents (18%) state that they are not concerned at all.

“Despite the fact that this fall, compared to last fall, the prices of natural gas, electricity, and other fuels have decreased, the public’s mood has not improved. On the contrary, the number of residents concerned about a possible increase in heating costs has increased. According to our survey, a year ago, 48% of residents expressed such concerns, while this year the figure has risen to 54%. This may be explained by the overall price increase throughout the year and growing concerns among residents about their financial capabilities,” said Dāvis Skulte, Chairman of the Board of Elenger. “To alleviate concerns about the availability of natural gas, I would like to say that there is no need for worry, as gas is supplied to Latvia and Europe from multiple regions not related to Russia. As the largest private natural gas importer in the Baltics, “Elenger” is in a very stable position, as we are one of the few in the region who independently purchase and bring natural gas from the U.S. and Norway, allowing us to offer customers a more competitive price and a more reliable supply.”

In response to the survey’s question of how they are preparing for the heating season, only 19% of residents admit they are saving in advance for heating bills, and 11% are improving their home’s energy efficiency, for example, by insulating walls or replacing windows. Some residents (6%) are reviewing offers from other suppliers and plan to switch, or have already switched, to reduce monthly bills. Meanwhile, 16% of residents express dissatisfaction, as they would like to change their existing heating system but are unable to do so.

“With the opening of the natural gas market, residents were already able to switch gas suppliers during last year’s heating season, and according to our data, they actively did so. Customers appreciated our offer and the opportunity to save at least 200 to 300 euros, which resulted in a rapid growth in our market share. By providing quality service and customer care, we plan to achieve a leading position in the household segment, aiming to capture 25% of the market in the coming years, a realistic goal given the significant number of residents in Latvia who could switch suppliers by comparing offers and choosing the most favorable one,” said D. Skulte.

Elenger is the only natural gas trader in Latvia that collaborates with both major regional terminals in Lithuania and Finland, thereby ensuring the required volumes of natural gas from the U.S. and Norway according to customer demand. Operating in six markets – Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany – Elenger is the largest privately-owned energy company in the Finnish and Baltic region.

Elenger conducted the survey in September 2024, in collaboration with research company Norstat Latvia, with 1,003 Latvian residents aged 18 to 76 participating. A similar survey was conducted by Elenger in October 2023, with Norstat Latvia surveying 1,006 respondents aged 18 to 74.

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