Energy Law at Latvia
Latvia's energy legal framework is shaped by a combination of national legislation and European Union directives, reflecting the country's commitment to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate neutrality.
🇱🇻 Key Energy Laws in Latvia
1. Energy Efficiency Law (No. 121/2014)
This law establishes the legal foundation for Latvia's national energy efficiency policy. It mandates energy audits for large companies, promotes energy management practices, and sets targets for reducing energy consumption. The law aligns with the EU's Energy Efficiency Directive (2012/27/EU) and has been updated to include provisions for energy communities and net metering systems .
2. Renewable Energy Law (No. 283)
Enacted in 2005 and amended in 2023, this law aims to develop renewable energy sources, improve the energy structure, and diversify energy resources. It supports the EU's Renewable Energy Directive (2018/2001), which sets binding targets for renewable energy consumption .
3. Electricity Market Law
This law governs the production, transmission, distribution, and consumption of electricity in Latvia. It ensures the integration of renewable energy into the grid and promotes a competitive electricity market. Recent amendments have introduced net settlement systems and support for energy communities .
4. Climate Law (Draft)
Approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in 2024, this draft law outlines Latvia's strategy for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. It includes measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable energy practices .
⚖️ Institutional Oversight
Ministry of Climate and Energy: Oversees the implementation of energy policies and coordinates climate action initiatives.
Public Utilities Commission (SPRK): Regulates energy markets, ensuring fair competition and consumer protection.
Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST): Manages the transmission of electricity, ensuring grid stability and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources .
🌱 Renewable Energy and Energy Communities
Latvia has significantly increased its renewable energy capacity, primarily through hydropower and biomass. The country aims to source nearly 60% of its final energy consumption from renewables by 2030
In 2022, Latvia adopted legislation to support energy communities, allowing citizens and local entities to collectively produce and consume renewable energy. These communities can register in the Energy Community Register and benefit from net metering systems .
📈 Energy Policy and Climate Strategy
Latvia's National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) for 2021–2030 outlines the country's objectives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing renewable energy use, and enhancing energy efficiency. The plan is aligned with EU targets and is updated regularly to reflect progress and emerging challenges .
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has highlighted Latvia's efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy imports through renewable energy expansion and infrastructure upgrades. However, it emphasizes the need for streamlined permitting processes and improved interconnection capacities to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 .
For more detailed information, you can refer to the full texts of the Energy Efficiency Law and the Renewable Energy Law available on FAOLEX:
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