Unpaid electricity bills in Greece fell during 2025 but remained at €2.98 billion, according to the latest figures. The remaining arrears leave suppliers exposed to credit losses, working-capital pressure and recovery costs. The total declined from approximately €3.4 billion in 2024, a reduction of about 12%.
Arrears by voltage level and customer group
Low-voltage consumers, including households and smaller businesses, accounted for approximately €2.1 billion of the arrears total. Medium-voltage customers owed €683.8 million, while high-voltage users were responsible for another €214.3 million.
Within the low-voltage segment, commercial, industrial and other business customers connected at low voltage recorded 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.
Former customers and cost impact on the market
The most difficult receivables are linked to customers who have already switched to another supplier. Approximately €1.53 billion, more than half of the outstanding market debt, relates to former customers. After a customer changes supplier, the previous provider retains the debt but loses the continuing commercial relationship that could support repayment or restructuring.
The Greek energy regulator RAAEY estimates that unpaid balances add around €0.0593/kWh to market costs. RAAEY’s estimate attributes the increase to provisions, financing charges, collection expenses and higher risk premiums demanded by suppliers.
Implications for competition and payment arrangements
The arrears also affect competition between suppliers. Larger companies with stronger balance sheets can absorb delayed payments more easily than smaller suppliers. Smaller firms may need expensive working-capital facilities or tighter customer-selection policies as arrears persist.
A durable approach would involve stronger data-sharing between suppliers, enforceable payment arrangements and protection for genuinely vulnerable customers without enabling strategic non-payment to move 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.
