Ukrainians are being forced to pay for utilities twice: Expert Popenko pointed out legal arbitrariness.

The problem of unlawful utility payments

Housing and communal service expert, head of the Consumer Union of Public Utilities Oleg Popenko, in an interview with journalist Olena Kistrika, discussed cases of unlawful utility payments for residents of frontline and previously occupied territories. He noted that Ukrainians living in these areas are facing a serious problem with illegal charges for utilities.

The Mariupol precedent and destroyed housing

The expert cited an example from Mariupol, where residents received utility bills from Ukrainian companies that were actually located in other cities. He also mentioned a case in Kryvyi Rih, where electricity providers demanded payment for destroyed homes.

Double payments in de-occupied areas

The situation is particularly complicated in areas liberated from occupation. Residents had to pay double for utilities - first to the occupying administration, and then to Ukrainian companies. Popenko spoke about a case in Kupyansk, where people had to pay for the period of occupation, even though their homes were damaged.

After the liberation of various territories, local energy companies issued additional bills for the Time of occupation, even if there was no consumption. Management companies also charged for cleaning of adjacent territories.

Absurd demands on residents of frontline zones

In frontline areas, residents face demands that may threaten their lives. The expert cited an example from Vovchansk district in Kharkiv region, where people were required to take meter readings in a dangerous area, threatening a fine of 8,000 hryvnias.

Lack of protection from the state

According to Popenko, the lack of response from regulatory bodies, including the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities (NKREKP), has led to such situations. The expert noted that in Ukraine, there are no state structures that effectively protect the rights of consumers in the field of utility services.