Inflated utility bills: important points for consumers

Owners of hot water and thermal energy meters must perform periodic metrological verification of their devices at least once every four years. Specialists of JSC “Oblteplokomunenergo” warn about the consequences that may arise if this procedure is ignored.

According to Ukrainian legislation governing the commercial accounting of thermal energy and water supply, the costs of meter verification are borne by the consumer.

The consumer has the opportunity to independently choose an organization holding a permit to conduct verification in accordance with the law “On Metrology and Metrological Activities”. After completing the procedure, it is essential to obtain documents confirming its implementation.

The list of documents that must be provided to the service provider after the verification is completed includes:

– verification certificate with the necessary data: meter series and number, date of verification or dismantling, device readings;

– a certificate confirming the meter’s compliance with state standards, which must contain the date of the subsequent scheduled verification.

If the consumer does not meet the verification deadlines, the company will not be able to use the meter readings for calculations. In this case, charges will be calculated according to the standards for apartments without individual meters, which may increase utility costs.

Experts recommend that consumers pay attention to the verification deadlines and provide the necessary documents promptly to avoid additional costs for heat and water.