Foto: BB.LV / розетка
According to the NRA, citing "TV3 Ziņas", some customers of Latvenergo have received offers for the next 12 months, where the price of electricity itself exceeds the previous one by more than 20%. This refers specifically to the cost of electricity - excluding network charges. These are examples of individual offers, not an announced increase for all consumers. ## ## What is happening with prices The trend of rising prices is confirmed by the transmission system operator Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST). In September 2026, the average wholesale price of electricity in the Latvian trading zone was €108.68 per megawatt-hour - 36% higher than in August, and 29% above September of last year. AST links the price increase in Europe primarily to expensive natural gas and a reduction in the output of solar and wind power plants. In the Baltics, an additional factor has been the increased consumption due to cooler weather. The increase in production at hydropower plants and wind farms could not fully compensate for the seasonal decline in solar generation. At the same time, the September statistics describe the month that has already passed. They are not a forecast for prices for the entire winter of 2026/2027. ## ## Who will be affected by the changes first For consumers, the contract is crucial. If the fixed price term ends in the fall or winter, the new offer should be compared with the previous one: how much does a kilowatt-hour cost, is there a monthly fee, and how long will the terms be valid. For customers with a dynamic tariff, expenses depend on market prices during the intervals when they consume electricity. For example, in the dynamic product Elektrum, the price is tied to 15-minute quotes from Nord Pool. The average price for the month may not necessarily match the individual price for a specific household. Those with a fixed price still in effect should check the expiration date and the terms of revision. A jump in the market does not by itself indicate how much their next payment will change. ## ## Why "electricity is 20% more expensive" does not mean the same increase in the bill The bill covers not only electricity. There are also network services, including a fixed fee for maintaining the connection capacity and a fee for the delivered volume. Sadales tīkls indicates that the current distribution tariff values in 2026 remain unchanged. A conditional example: a family consumes 200 kWh per month, and the price of the energy itself rises from €0.10 to €0.12 per kWh. With the same VAT accounting, this part of the expenses will increase from €20 to €24 - by four euros. The increase in energy costs will be 20%, but the percentage increase in the total bill will be lower if the other payments remain unchanged. This is an illustration of the calculation, not an active offer from the supplier. ## ## Network tariffs will change from January Separate changes have already been announced for the second half of winter. According to the Public Utilities Commission (SPRK), starting from January 1, 2027, approximately 99% of users will see their electricity distribution costs decrease or remain the same. There will also be a Jaudīgais plan - for facilities with relatively high consumption compared to the connection capacity. The regulator emphasizes: there is no need to rush into a transition; a suitable option should be chosen based on connection parameters and actual consumption. These changes pertain to the network part of the payment and do not guarantee a reduction in the total bill. ## ## What to check before the first big winter bills 1. The expiration date of the fixed price. Especially if a renewal notice has already been received. 2. The total cost of the offer. Compare the price per kilowatt-hour, monthly fee, and additional services with the same VAT accounting. 3. The terms of early termination. Some fixed products have an exit fee - this should be considered when calculating savings. 4. Actual winter consumption. For budgeting, it is more useful to take last year's winter months, especially if electric heating is used at home. 5. The network plan for rarely used properties. Sadales tīkls's Speciālais plan is designed for very low or irregular consumption: the fixed part is lower, but the delivery of each kilowatt-hour is more expensive. Its benefit should be checked through calculation. Preparation should primarily focus on an individual review of expenses: check the contract and calculate the winter budget based on personal consumption. There are currently no grounds to promise all residents of Latvia the same increase in electricity prices for the entire winter.
