Firewood, generators, and a moratorium on disconnections: new winter rules being prepared for Ukrainians

Firewood, generators, and a moratorium on disconnections: new winter rules being prepared for Ukrainians

A number of bills have been registered in the Verkhovna Rada aimed at preparing households and communities for a difficult autumn-winter period. Among the initiatives are a state program to compensate the cost of firewood and alternative fuels, support for condominium associations (OSBB) in installing autonomous energy sources, the creation of a reserve of energy equipment, and a moratorium on disconnection of utilities for certain categories of citizens.

This was reported by Sudovo-yurydychna hazeta, quoted by Novyny.LIVE.

The bills in question are 15472 “On a state program to supply the population with firewood and alternative fuel,” 15473 “On supporting associations of co-owners of apartment buildings and communities in ensuring energy independence,” 15474 “On creating a state reserve for the energy security of communities,” and 15476 “On a moratorium on disconnection of housing and communal services during martial law and the winter period.”

Ukrainians may receive compensation for the cost of firewood, briquettes, and pellets

Bill No. 15472 proposes to legislatively regulate the provision of firewood and alternative fuel to the population.

In particular, it provides for state compensation of the cost of firewood, fuel briquettes, and pellets for households that use solid fuel for heating.

Special attention is proposed to be given to residents of rural and mountainous areas.

The document proposes to enshrine several state guarantees:

the continuation of programs to supply the population with firewood and alternative fuel;

prevention of any reduction in the level of state support;

compensation of the cost of firewood, briquettes, and pellets for households that heat their homes with solid fuel.

If the law is adopted, the Cabinet of Ministers must develop the corresponding state program and determine its funding sources within three months.

Condominium associations (OSBB) may receive grants and interest-free loans

Another bill — No. 15473 — concerns increasing the energy independence of apartment buildings and territorial communities.

To that end, it proposes providing grants and interest-free loans to install equipment that will allow houses and communities to partly supply themselves with energy.

In particular, funds may be directed to the installation of solar power plants and energy storage systems, as well as modernization of heating systems.

Reserve of generators and other equipment

Bill No. 15474 envisages creating a state reserve for the energy security of communities.

Such a strategic stock is planned to include equipment and resources needed to respond to emergency situations. Among them are:

generators;

mobile boiler houses;

transformers;

fuel;

other energy equipment.

Thanks to this reserve, the state should strengthen the capacity of territorial communities to respond to power supply interruptions and other emergencies.

Who they want to protect from utility disconnection

Another initiative — Bill No. 15476 — concerns protecting families who are in difficult life circumstances.

The document provides for a moratorium on disconnection of housing and communal services for such families during the period of martial law and the winter period.

In particular, it proposes to prohibit disconnection of:

electricity;

gas;

water supply;

heat supply.

The bill also provides state guarantees of support for such families and prevention of deterioration in their socio-economic situation.

If the proposed changes are adopted, the Cabinet of Ministers must identify funding sources for the programs within three months, prepare necessary draft laws if needed, and bring existing government documents into compliance with the new rules.

Earlier, Novyny.LIVE reported on who may be fined for buying firewood in Ukraine. Purchasing timber without confirming its origin threatens penalties. In some cases this can lead to criminal liability.

Novyny.LIVE also wrote about what will happen to electricity tariffs from 1 September. For those who heat their homes with electricity, a preferential price will continue to apply in the new heating season. Other household consumers can reduce costs by switching to a night tariff.