The expert warned Ukrainians about “unfortunate” debts and utility traps

Ukrainians may receive incorrect charges for electricity consumption, and these are not isolated cases, but a systemic problem that requires careful inspection. Experts urge consumers not to blindly trust the figures on the bills and demand transparency from suppliers.

Oleg Popenko, the head of the Union of Utilities Consumers, spoke about it. He noted that the problem of multibillion-dollar debts in the utility sector is often presented as a single one, while in fact it consists of various, sometimes questionable, charges.

The expert emphasizes the need for a thorough check in cases with debts to energy companies. Past examples show that some of the amounts in the accounts raised suspicions about their fairness. Therefore, before demanding payment, it is worth understanding what these numbers consist of.

Popenko emphasizes that one should not talk about “general debts” – each case is unique. In certain situations, the reasons may be economic factors, decisions of regulators, or even errors in calculations.

In water utilities, the situation is particularly difficult due to the sharp rise in electricity prices. Enterprise expenses are growing, and incomes are not keeping up with them, which creates a chain reaction of debts in the housing and communal services system.

In the field of heat supply, special attention is paid to the debts of the state due to the difference in tariffs. Unpaid compensation only deepens the problem and creates debts.

Against the background of the above, any attempts to solve this situation at the expense of public funds may be ineffective. Without a proper audit, there is a risk that the funds will go to cover doubtful debts.