Today, Ukraine faces a  complicated task set by President Petro Poroshenko - to cut import of gas to zero in 5 years. Since 2014, we have undergone a very complicated path to reduce consumption of imported gas each year and to increase energy independence of Ukraine. It is not just about increasing the production of gas, but also about reducing the consumption of gas in general. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Communal Services of Ukraine Hennadii Zubko on air of the HB radio.

"Today energy consumption in Ukraine makes up 200 kW per square meter, while in European countries this indicator amounts to 50, 60, 80 kW per square meter. The residential sector consumes about 18 billion cubic meters of gas annually! So, we developed a road map for monetization of subsidies, which included two stages. Last year, we switched to monetization at the level of service providers. For this year, monetization which was already kicked off will be carried out  at the household level. Why? Because it is incredibly important for us that the consumer manages his own money and manages his energy efficiency! Nobody will deny that the subsidy was previously granted in non-cash was literally a barrier to energy efficiency. After all, people who received state assistance were not interested in implementing energy efficiency,  thus saving resources ", the Vice Prime Minister underscored.

He stressed that Ukraine is currently switching to a system when a recipient of subsidies will clearly understand which subsidies are granted according to social consumption rates.

"A person who consumes less gas and, accordingly, pays less, can invest these funds in energy efficiency and further save even more of  own funds.  Therefore, monetization of subsidies is an incentive and motivation for people to put into practice energy efficiency measures", Hennadii Zubko noted.

Today almost 4 million households need state assistance of this figure 69.9% are pensioners.