Riga Heating Company Warns Tariff Could Rise by 20–30%
Riga's district heating supplier “Rīgas siltums” warns that rising energy prices could push the heating tariff up by as much as 20–30%. It is not yet known whether the tariff will actually be raised.
Residents of Riga, Latvia's capital, may have to pay more for heating this season. The city's district heating provider, “Rīgas siltums”, warns that higher energy resource prices could lift the heating tariff by as much as 20–30%, according to 360TV News.
Readiness for the season
The company says it is ready for the heating season. By the end of September, more than 94% of buildings' heat substations had been prepared for connection to the heating system. Still, the growth in energy costs is causing concern, so the company is looking for ways to avoid an overly sharp tariff increase.
What it would mean for bills
If the tariff rises, Riga residents would face larger heating bills. The exact increase in each home would depend on how much heat is consumed. For now, it is unknown whether the tariff will actually be raised or how large the increase might be.
Measures to cut costs
On Wednesday, a committee of the Saeima, Latvia's parliament, discussed possible cost-reduction measures. The impact of the price rise is being eased by natural gas purchases made in good time, the use of biofuel and a more flexible heat energy market.
Long-term plans
In the future, “Rīgas siltums” plans to invest in biomass use, electrification and heat storage projects. This would reduce dependence on natural gas and its price swings, making heating costs more stable.
