According to the recently enacted amendments to the Electricity Energy Law, independent suppliers must terminate fixed-price contracts for vulnerable consumers in cases where their paid price is higher than the public supply tariff. Independent suppliers will send information about the possibility of switching to public supply twice a year – in January and July, after the public supply tariffs set by VERT come into force and it is determined that the price applied in the independent supplier’s contract is higher than the new public supply service price.
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This month, the first informational notices about contract terminations have already been sent to consumers. Upon receiving such a notice, consumers should not assume that they have committed any violation or that the contract is being terminated due to their fault. This is a procedure stipulated by law, applied to ensure that vulnerable consumers pay a lower public supply price for electricity.
“This amendment to the law aims to protect the most vulnerable group of consumers. After a consumer is transferred to public supply, electricity supply will continue to be ensured for them, and the price of electricity supply services will decrease, with no additional actions required,” says Matas Taparauskas, Deputy Chairman of VERT.
Vulnerable electricity consumers are considered to be those residents who receive or are entitled to receive monetary social support for low-income residents, persons with disabilities, or those receiving a social old-age pension or social compensation.
Upon termination of the independent supply contract, from the specified date, vulnerable consumers will automatically begin to receive public electricity supply services. Consumed electricity will be paid for according to public supply tariffs to the supplier “Ignitis” using the new customer code – which will also change.
“We also note that consumers have the right to disagree with the termination of the contract. If desired, the consumer still has the right to use the services of the existing independent supplier according to their current contract. However, the supplier must be informed of their decision in the manner and within the deadlines specified by the supplier – consumers will find this information in the letter about the proposed contract termination.
If disagreement is expressed, the contract will not be terminated, and consumers will continue to use independent electricity supply. If no action is taken and no disagreement is expressed, the contract will be terminated, and a transfer to public supply will occur,” states the VERT announcement.
If you have questions regarding the received notice, applicable conditions, or possible choices, VERT recommends contacting your current electricity supplier.
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What consumers need to know:
Will electricity supply be terminated?
No. Electricity supply will not be interrupted; electricity will continue to be supplied, but not by the chosen independent supplier, but by the public electricity supplier “Ignitis”.
Did I receive this notice because I violated the contract?
No, contracts are terminated according to amendments to the Electricity Energy Law, which provide an opportunity for vulnerable consumers to pay a lower electricity price.
Do I need to do anything?
No, if you agree to switch to public supply, the transition will happen automatically.
Who will supply me with electricity?
From the specified date, “Ignitis” will ensure public electricity supply.
Will my customer code change, and how will I pay for services if I switch to public supply?
Yes, you will be assigned a new customer code. You will be able to pay for services in the usual ways with the new code or in the public supplier’s self-service system.
Can I stay with my current independent supplier?
Yes. If you wish to continue using the services of your current supplier, upon receiving information about the planned contract termination, express your objection and inform your supplier about it in the manner and within the deadlines specified by them.
Where should I turn if I have questions?
Contact your electricity supplier – they will provide information about the procedures applicable to your contract and available choices.
Additional information and frequently asked questions can also be found on the VERT calculator page.
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