An online meeting of the Crisis Energy Headquarters has been chaired by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on February 23.

The participants discussed problematic issues of functioning of the electric power complex of Ukraine. Proposals to ensure financial stabilization of the electricity market in the medium term were also considered.

The meeting gathered together Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Chernyshov, First Deputy Minister of Energy Yurii Vitrenko, other representatives of the Government, MPs, Chairman of the Association of Ukrainian Cities Vitaliy Klitschko, city heads, Chairman of the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Committee (NEURC) Valery Tarasyuk, Chairman of the Board of Ukrenergo Volodymyr Kudrytsky.

During the meeting, members of the Crisis Energy Headquarters approved an Action Plan for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on the settlement of problematic issues in the field of centralized supply of heat and hot water, having signed on February 9 this year.

According to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, in order to ensure the stable operation of heat supply companies in this and the next heating season, it is necessary to start working according to the approved plan to determine the amounts owed to gas distribution system operators and determine correct ways to cover them.

"It is worth considering the possibility of introducing an annual gas product cost for district heating providers and for citizens, or another effective mechanism. This requires that the relevant working groups work out the right decisions," the Head of Government said.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Committee (NEURC) together with Naftogaz Ukraine to verify all debts of heat supply companies. Meanwhile, on the basis of the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development and the Ministry of Energy, the Crisis Energy Headquarters should determine the mechanisms for debt repayment and in synergy with the Ministry of Finance find sources for their financing.

The Prime Minister commissioned the First Deputy Minister of Energy Yurii Vitrenko to organize relevant meetings to resolve certain issues that have arisen in the work of the energy sector.