Can't pay energy bill and collection threatens — what now?
Four parallel options: payment plan, Emergency Fund, municipal debt help, energy allowance. Plus: collection fees often disputable.
Don't wait — act. (1) Call your supplier directly for a payment plan (3-12 months, often interest-free); (2) Apply to Energy Emergency Fund + municipal energy allowance (parallel); (3) Engage municipal debt assistance (Wgs) — free, voluntary, helps negotiate; (4) Check collection fees: only legally permitted amounts (BIK Decree — max €40 for claims < €2,500). Higher fees = disputable. (5) During debt assistance (WSNP/MSNP) collection is often paused. DO NOT: take payday loans (14-25% interest); sell to informal lenders; pay unknown IBAN (phishing). Winter disconnection threat: vulnerable-household appeal — disconnection banned 1 Oct — 1 Apr.