Rules governing the interaction between the population and utility services in Ukraine have changed. During the martial law period, debtors may be disconnected from electricity, gas, and water supplies, although this ban has certain exceptions and does not apply to the entire territory of the country.
According to RBC-Ukraine, citing Elena Voronkova, a lawyer from the "Ivan Khomych" law firm, the situation has changed drastically compared to the beginning of the full-scale invasion. At that time, a special moratorium was introduced in the country, which categorically prohibited disconnecting citizens from vital resources for non-payment of bills.
Today, this ban has been lifted. The lawyer emphasizes that Ukrainians with outstanding debts to suppliers can indeed be disconnected from services. However, there is an important exception: the disconnection rule does not apply to frontline zones. It is legally prohibited to disconnect residents of territories where active hostilities are taking place for debts.
Duration matters more than the amount
One of the key points the lawyer reminds us of is the criterion for disconnection. The accumulated debt amount is not the determining factor. The main parameter that utility companies consider is the duration of non-payment. If a citizen fails to pay for services for two months, the supplier has the right to initiate a disconnection.
Voronkova draws attention to the economic aspect: the accumulated debt amount is often significantly less than the cost of subsequent restoration of connection to the networks. Therefore, lawyers strongly advise consumers to avoid accumulating debts and to pay bills on time.
How to avoid disconnection
If a debt has already appeared and there is a real risk of being left without light, gas, or water, the situation can still be resolved. According to Elena Voronkova, there is a way out. Citizens need to contact the supplier company directly and conclude a debt restructuring agreement with them. This will allow for a legal deferral of debt repayment and maintain access to utility services.
