Heating season under threat: critical situation

In Ukraine, the early end of the heating season may indicate more serious problems in the heat supply sector. Due to the huge debts accumulated by enterprises, there is a threat to preparing for the next winter.

According to Serhiy Makogon, former head of the GTS Operator of Ukraine, the debts of the heating and power utilities to Naftogaz exceed 100 billion hryvnias. These debts have accumulated over the years due to understated tariffs and problems with payment from both the population and the companies themselves.

The problem also lies in the significant debts of households, which at the beginning of the year amounted to tens of billions of hryvnias. This creates a vicious circle of non-payments, which complicates the stable operation of the entire heat supply system.

Makogon noted that the state should partially compensate the costs of energy companies, but the existing mechanisms are not working. The gas supplier, in turn, is forced to increase pressure on debtors, including the threat of limiting gas supplies or shortening the heating season.

In addition, preparing for the coming winter requires significant financial resources, in particular for the purchase of gas. Without repaying debts, this will be extremely difficult to implement.