The new heating season will be more expensive: heating supply companies have already started raising tariffs

Residents of Latvia should prepare for an increase in heating costs. According to the Latvian Association of Heating Supply Enterprises, in the new season, tariffs in several cities and regions may increase by approximately 10–20%, writes Latvijas Avīze. As explained by board member Valdis Vitolins, the main reason is the rise in the prices of natural gas, wood chips, pellets, and firewood — the main types of fuel used for heat production. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) confirms that most heating supply companies that submitted documents in August and September are proposing to raise tariffs. However, the increase will not be uniform across the country. According to the director of the energy department at PUC, Janis Negribss, the tariff amount depends on several factors: the cost of fuel, the conditions of previously concluded contracts, the state of heating networks, the volume of investments, the number of consumers, and the characteristics of each heating supply system. This means that in one municipality heating may become more expensive, while in another it may remain at the same level or even become cheaper. It is important to consider that the final amount on the bill depends not only on the tariff. The outdoor temperature, the duration of the heating season, the insulation of the house, and the actual consumption of thermal energy by residents also play a significant role. According to PUC, by August 31, 16 complete projects for new tariffs and 41 projects for changes from heating supply enterprises were submitted for consideration. Such applications are received by the regulator almost every week. In small settlements, the cost of heating is traditionally higher than in large cities, as expenses are distributed among a smaller number of consumers. As of September 1, 2026, increased tariffs have already come into effect in several municipalities. Among them are Cesis, Aluksne, Auce, Broceni, Dobele, Jelgava, Kekava, Saldus, Tukums, Valmiera, and several other cities and regions. Thus, the upcoming heating season will be more costly for many residents of Latvia. At the same time, the final amount of bills will depend not only on the new tariffs but also on how cold the autumn and winter will be.