Unpaid electricity bills in Greece declined during 2025 but remained at €2.98 billion, leaving suppliers exposed to substantial credit losses, working-capital pressure and recovery costs.
The total was down from approximately €3.4 billion in 2024, representing a reduction of about 12%. The improvement is material, but the remaining balance continues to affect supplier liquidity and ultimately increases the cost carried by customers who pay their bills on time.
Low-voltage consumers, including households and smaller businesses, accounted for approximately €2.1 billion. Medium-voltage customers owed €683.8 million, while high-voltage users were responsible for another €214.3 million.
Commercial, industrial and other business customers connected at low voltage represented the largest individual category, with arrears of approximately €819 million. Households owed about €710 million. Medium-voltage companies accumulated around €577 million, while high-voltage businesses were responsible for €55 million.
The most difficult receivables are associated with customers who have already moved to another supplier. Approximately €1.53 billion, more than half of the outstanding market debt, relates to former customers. Once a customer changes supplier, the previous provider retains the debt but loses the continuing commercial relationship that could support repayment or restructuring.
Greek energy regulator RAAEY estimates that these unpaid balances add around €0.0593/kWh to market costs. The burden is transmitted through provisions, financing charges, collection expenses and higher risk premiums demanded by suppliers.
The problem also affects competition. Larger companies with stronger balance sheets can absorb delayed payments more easily, while smaller suppliers may need expensive working-capital facilities or tighter customer-selection policies. Persistent arrears therefore favour consolidation and raise entry barriers.
A durable solution requires stronger data-sharing between suppliers, enforceable payment arrangements and protection for genuinely vulnerable customers without allowing strategic non-payment to migrate between providers. Greece has reduced the headline debt, but the concentration of €1.53 billion among former customers remains the market’s most difficult structural liability.
