A thousand extra hryvnias in payments: why Ukrainians overpay for communal services

In Ukraine, one of the main reasons for increased utility bills is overdue meter verification. If verification is not carried out in time, suppliers may change the calculation method, which often results in a significant increase in the amounts.

This information was provided by Oleg Popenko, head of the Union of Utilities Consumers, during an interview. He noted that enterprises have the right to use the expiration of the verification period as a basis for switching to calculations based on standards that often exceed actual consumption figures.

Popenko added that mandatory meter verification is not common practice in most European countries. In Ukraine, this process has become a tool for monopolists, which allows them to raise tariffs legally. If the consumer did not check on time or did not transfer the indicators, the calculations are conducted using average data or established norms rather than the actual indicators.

This can lead to double or triple payments, even though consumption has not changed. The increase in heating costs is particularly high: with a meter, the price per square meter can be about 30 hryvnias, while, according to the norms, it can reach 50 hryvnias.

The specialist emphasized that, due to outdated verification, the family may end up overpaying substantial amounts. It can reach thousands of hryvnias every month, as such rules are prescribed by law and are difficult to avoid.

To reduce the likelihood of overpayments, consumers should monitor the timing of verification and submit indicators promptly. If the deadlines have already been missed, you should record the existing meter data, transfer it to the supplier, and submit an official request for recalculation to help reduce payments.