Heating costs rise in Bauska municipality from today
From October 1, a new heating tariff of 89.73 euros per MWh (excluding VAT) takes effect in Bauska municipality, 8.8% higher than before, as heating prices rise across much of Latvia due to higher fuel costs.
Starting October 1, a new heating energy tariff set by SIA Bauskas novada komunālserviss (BNKS) has taken effect in Bauska municipality — 89.73 euros per megawatt-hour (MWh) excluding value-added tax. This is 8.8% higher than the previous tariff of 82.49 euros per MWh, which had been in force since April this year.
The company says the main reason for the increase is rising fuel costs. Compared with the costs included in the previous tariff, wood chip prices rose by nearly 36%, wood pellets by 60%, natural gas by nearly 32%, and liquefied petroleum gas by over 16%. Fuel transport costs have also been pushed up by volatile fuel prices. At the same time, BNKS states that no significant risks to fuel availability have currently been identified — resources for the new heating season are secured for all of the company's boiler houses, and the necessary supply contracts have been signed.
Tariffs rising across Latvia
At the start of the heating season, heating costs are increasing in most of Latvia's municipalities — from today, higher tariffs take effect for 39 regulated heating companies, while five have lower tariffs. For most regulated companies, the October tariff ranges from 80 to 100 euros per MWh; in 20 localities it exceeds 100 euros, while in 28 localities it remains below 80 euros.
The lowest tariff in the country is in Balvi, at 66.40 euros per MWh, while the highest is in Penči in Valmiera municipality, at 162.77 euros per MWh. The Public Utilities Commission states that the increases are largely driven by rising fuel prices, particularly in places using pellets or wood chips for heating, while changes in large cities are minor.
The regulator notes that heating bills are also affected by weather conditions, a building's energy efficiency, and household consumption habits. Residents struggling to cover their heating bills can apply for housing benefits, which the Saeima decided on September 24 to increase and make more widely available starting with the 2026/2027 heating season.
