A Lithuanian entrepreneur shared a scathing critique of energy pricing and the “green course” on Facebook, alleging a system that profits energy suppliers while burdening consumers. The post, which has gained traction among Lithuanian users, details experiences of unexpectedly high electricity bills and a perceived lack of transparency from energy companies.
The entrepreneur, whose name has been withheld by the newsroom, alleges that after achieving energy independence from heating costs through a modern, energy-efficient home, he found himself facing significantly higher electricity bills. He describes a situation where older, less efficient housing has lower overall utility costs.
“It’s a strange situation where saving on heating only leads to higher electricity costs,” the post reads. “It’s as if our desires are being fulfilled in Lithuania, but not in my favor.”
The core of the complaint centers on a claim that he was automatically switched to a more expensive electricity plan – a 50% increase – without a contract or clear explanation. Attempts to obtain a written agreement or detailed terms and conditions were met with instructions to find the information online, a practice he likened to “legal scamming.”
“They simply took away my public supply – via SMS and email – and connected me to 50% more expensive electricity without any contract,” he wrote. “It turns out I don’t even have the right to receive a contract, or the opportunity to calmly read the terms.”
When contacting the company’s “help line,” the entrepreneur claims he was initially asked for a contract number, despite being told no contract existed. He alleges a pattern of evasiveness and a reliance on online resources for information.
The post further alleges that the company continues to bill him despite the lack of a formal agreement, justifying the practice as “temporary.” He draws a parallel to telephone scams, arguing that energy companies operate with a similar lack of transparency but with the “logo and blessing of the state.”
In a surprising turn, the entrepreneur revealed he has invested in the stock of the energy company in question, citing a belief that their profits will continue to rise. He noted a 16% increase in stock value and a 6% dividend increase in the past year, framing it as a pragmatic response to a system he views as exploitative.
“The green course, in my opinion today, doesn’t look so green anymore,” he concluded. “Building A++ class houses to reduce energy consumption is also a self-deception when you exchange heating bills for electricity prices.”
According to the Lietuvos energetikos agentūra (Lithuanian Energy Agency), Lithuania generated 68% of its electricity needs domestically last week, importing the remainder from Sweden, Latvia, and Poland. The agency also reported that central heating prices in February were 8.4 ct/kWh, a 5.4% increase from January and 4.7% higher than the same period last year, due to sustained cold weather and increased demand for biomass.
Pasirinkitetiekeja.lt, a website providing information on electricity suppliers, lists licensed providers authorized by the Valstybinės energetikos reguliavimo tarybos (VERT), the State Energy Regulatory Council. The site allows consumers to compare offers from independent electricity suppliers.
