Government to give preference to those who switch from expensive Russian gas to other fuels

The Government of Ukraine is to make a decision on reduction of electricity tariffs for those who will switch from gas boilers to electric ones and set a range of preferences for boiler houses, which will switch from gas to other fuels. The Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk said this at a Cabinet’s meeting on Wednesday, July 9.

The PM has reminded that the Ukrainian side is suing Russian Gazprom in the Stockholm arbitration court: "We still have friendly relationship with Gazprom. There are two options: either a court order, or in the framework of tripartite consultations to make a decision until the Stockholm arbitration court rules its verdict", Arseniy Yatsenyuk said, noting that in many cases it [the Stockholm arbitration court] made concessions to European companies suing Gazprom until the trial.

At the same time, the PM emphasized, it is necessary to address the issue of energy efficiency. Arseniy Yatsenyuk said that after consultations with NERC at a today’s session the Government will consider establishing a special electricity tariff for those switching from gas boilers to electric ones: "Now electricity tariff equals UAH 1.19. If you purchased an electric boiler, night electricity tariff should be UAH 0.30, four times less, and the day tariff worth UAH 0.80. "

Secondly, the Cabinet will consider the issue concerning preferences for boiler houses, switching from gas to another fuel: "instead of 5% return getting by gas boiler houses, a boiler house using another kind of fuel will be allowed a 21% return."

Moreover, according to Arseniy Yatsenyuk, consumers receiving heat from gas boiler houses will have a 10% tariff discount, if the boiler house goes from gas to another fuel.

"If we consistently, step by step, develop energy efficiency, reduce gas consumption, increase electricity consumption as well as other fuels and energy, if we fulfill a plan submitted to the Parliament and voted at first reading - the joint modernization and operation of the Ukrainian gas transportation system together with the EU and the U.S., if we implement a plan to increase power generation, thus, in ten years Ukraine will be a completely energy independent state. We have all possibilities for this", emphasized Arseniy Yatsenyuk.