Utilities Under Threat: Expert Warns of Potential Tripling of Heating Tariffs
Recent government decisions and actions by local authorities have raised concerns among specialists in the utilities sector.
Specifically, Oleks Popenko, head of the Union of Utility Consumers, warns that transferring the authority to approve heating tariffs to local governments creates significant risks for consumers.
This move potentially fosters corruption practices and could lead to a threefold or even fivefold increase in prices without sufficient justification.
The Resolution No.
315, which permits tripling tariffs for consumers without metering devices, compromises transparency and opens the door for abuse.
Additionally, many utility companies refuse to install metering devices, maintaining the ability to unjustifiably raise charges.
The situation with the company “Teplokomunenergo” has been described by the expert as a “complete chaos” and an example of unchecked monopoly.
Of particular concern is the situation in Kyiv, where inspectors have been unable to access the documentation of “Kyivteploenergo” for over five years, citing criminal proceedings.
This effectively blocks any oversight, allowing mismanagement to go unchecked and tariffs to rise.
Popenko advocates returning the regulatory powers over tariffs to the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC), asserting that only an independent authority can ensure fair pricing and eliminate the fivefold monopoly that has emerged at regional levels.