Kleinbergs argues for keeping 'Rīgas siltums' under municipal control
Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs believes that 'Rīgas siltums' should remain under the city's control rather than being transferred to the state. A parliamentary commission has called on law enforcement to investigate potential violations in the company's operations.
Riga City Council Chairman Viesturs Kleinbergs stated in an interview on Latvian Television's program 'Rīta panorāma' that the joint-stock company 'Rīgas siltums' needs a single owner. He noted that agreement has been reached with Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs on the necessity of consolidating ownership, but it remains unclear whether the company will be controlled by Riga or the state. Kleinbergs is convinced that the Riga municipality would be a better manager and promised to prove that its municipally-owned companies are run effectively, citing SIA 'Rīgas ūdens' and SIA 'Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks' as positive examples.
The parliamentary commission, led by former Saeima deputy and current Prime Minister Kulbergs, was established in November 2025 to examine the reasons behind the cost increase in Riga's centralized heat supply and related energy security risks. Upon concluding its work, the commission called on the Prosecutor General's Office, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau, and the State Revenue Service to evaluate circumstances described in its final report, including possible misappropriation of public property, inaction by officials, conflicts of interest, and mistreatment of a whistleblower.
Financial data shows that the 'Rīgas siltums' group's turnover in the past fiscal year (October 2024 to September 2025) decreased by 3.6% compared to the previous period, reaching €239.625 million. However, the group's profit multiplied to €19.888 million. The parent company 'Rīgas siltums' had a turnover of €239.618 million (down 3.6%), but its profit increased by 61.4% to €6.373 million. The group also includes SIA 'Rīgas BioEnerģija'.
Currently, 49% of 'Rīgas siltums' shares are owned by Riga City Council, 48.99% by the Latvian state, 2% by SIA 'Enerģijas risinājumi. RIX', and 0.005% by 'Latvenergo'.
