Latvia's Economy Minister Urges State Takeover of Riga Heating Company

Economy Minister Viktors Valainis has urged the Latvian state to acquire the shares of AS “Rīgas siltums”, the heating company owned by Riga City Council. He argues that a single, accountable owner would enable lower heating bills for residents, more efficient management and long‑term investment in the heat‑supply infrastructure.

Valainis notes that the company currently has several owners, none of which bear full responsibility. He points to recent state involvement that helped avoid a planned sharp tariff increase in 2025, cutting the rise by about 70 %. The proposed ownership structure, he says, would allow faster decision‑making, better investment planning, modernisation of the network and reduced operating costs, ultimately benefiting Riga’s inhabitants.