Stromabschaltung wegen Versorgungsverschuldung, aktualisierte Gaspreise und mehr: Was sich im Februar in der Ukraine ändert

Am 1. Februar treten in der Ukraine wichtige Änderungen in Kraft, die das Leben der Bürger direkt betreffen werden. Erfahren Sie mehr über die wichtigsten Neuerungen und wie sie sich auf die Geldbeutel der Ukrainer auswirken werden

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In February of this year, a number of significant changes are expected to affect various aspects of the economy and the financial situation of Ukrainian citizens. The social sphere will be particularly affected, which will define a new financial context for many Ukrainians.

Here's what will change for Ukrainians starting from the first of February.

Electricity will be cut off and fines will be charged for unpaid utility bills

Starting in February, the government has reinstated fines and the possibility of power cuts for non-payment of utility bills.

For those living in the war zone or in the occupied territories, a moratorium on these sanctions will remain in place. The government explains these decisions by the need to address the growing debts, especially in the electricity sector.

The head of the National Energy Regulatory Commission says that the main debtors are those who can pay but use the moratorium. According to the Minister of Energy, the largest debts are recorded in regions that did not have problems with the occupation, such as Chernivtsi region.

However, according to representatives of energy companies, there is no intention to immediately disconnect debtors.

First, they plan to send bills to customers demanding that they immediately pay the debt or consider debt restructuring. After receiving a response to these demands, it will be possible to disconnect the electricity supply. In addition, the disconnection process itself will be preceded by multiple notices with instructions and warnings sent to consumers 10 and 5 days before the actual disconnection.

Will pension payments be increased?

From the beginning of February 2024, pensioners in Ukraine can expect some changes in the amount of their payments. Currently, the minimum pension is UAH 2,361, and the next pension indexation is scheduled for March 2024, which will leave the amount of payments unchanged in February.

However, it is important to note that in February, pensioners will receive additional payments to their old-age pensions. Thus, those who turn 70 will receive an additional UAH 300, and those who reach 75 and 80 will receive UAH 456 and 570, respectively. In addition, those with more than 35 years of work experience for men and 30 years for women may receive an additional payment for "extra" years of work experience. 

For each full year of service over the minimum, you can receive an additional payment of 1% of your pension, but not more than UAH 23.61.

Mobilization in February 2024

Within a month, Ukraine will vote on a revised version of the new draft law on mobilization. 

According to the text of the document, mobilization will be strengthened, and the conscription age will be reduced from 27 to 25 years. All persons liable for military service will be required to register an electronic conscription account, and in case of evasion, bank accounts may be blocked through the court. 

The military will also have a clear term of service and the right to annual vacation. It is noted that people with disabilities of all three groups will not be mobilized, but relatives of people with disabilities of the 3rd group will lose their deferral.

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Continuation of payments to IDPs

The government is also extending the conditions for the payment of assistance to IDPs. Instead of the previous February 1 cut-off date, the government found an additional budget of UAH 6 billion and decided to extend the assistance for another month. However, from March 1, only citizens in the most vulnerable categories, such as pensioners, people with disabilities and seriously ill children, will receive payments.

The total amount of payments in 2024 will decrease due to the reduction of eligible categories. 

Read more about the amount of IDP payments in February and who will be eligible for the funds in our article.

Payments will be raised not only for gas, but also for network maintenance

Gas bills for residents of apartment buildings and dormitories will increase in February due to the introduction of a new service - maintenance of intra-building gas networks. This service may be shown separately in the bills, and the cost of providing it will depend on the number of apartments in the building and its technical features. 

The estimated cost of the work can be several hundred hryvnias for each apartment. Specific figures can be found on the website of your gas distribution network operator. These works will be carried out periodically, once every few years.

Medicines from Ukrposhta 

Another important change in the February plan is the launch of Ukrposhta's medicines sales in the de-occupied and frontline areas. 

The Ukrposhta-Liky project envisages the sale of medicines in stationary and mobile branches of the company, which has obtained a license for this activity. 

In order to provide this service, Ukrposhta will hire pharmacists and open a hotline for citizens' appeals. 

The project also aims to increase sales of e-prescription medicines in rural areas, where only 16% of pharmacies operate under the Affordable Medicines program, providing most rural residents with access to free medicines.

We remind you! Earlier, we wrote that the new year will bring some changes to Ukrainians in the area of payments. There is also updated information on possible changes in utility tariffs. Find out more about what Ukrainians can expect from their allowances in 2024.

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