Increase in utility tariffs: there will be less electricity, and payments will increase

An attempt to restore the energy system destroyed by the war by increasing tariffs for the population is attracting widespread discussion among experts. Many experts consider this path risky, as it can significantly burden the financial situation of Ukrainians, who already live in difficult economic conditions.

The head of the Union of Consumers of Public Utilities, Oleg Popenko, noted that financing the restoration of energy infrastructure by increasing tariffs has few historical precedents worldwide. He recalled that after World War II, European countries helped their citizens who had lost income, housing, and stability through foreign aid, investments, or reparations, rather than shifting the main financial burden onto the population.

The expert believes that the situation in Ukraine is different. Tariff policy can cause serious problems for society, as people’s incomes often do not keep pace with rising utility costs. This is especially felt during war, when many families already spend a significant part of their budgets on basic needs.

Popenko also criticized the regulatory authorities, in particular the National Commission for the Regulation of Energy and the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine. He is confident that in times of crisis, the state should more actively monitor the market and check the reasonableness of tariffs and profits of energy companies. Transparency in this area is important for building trust among the population.

At the same time, the Ukrainian government and electricity suppliers explain the possible increase in tariffs by several factors: damage to infrastructure caused by military actions, the high cost of repairs, and the need to ensure the stability of the energy system during the war. They emphasize that without investments, the restoration of the energy sector may take a long time.