The outstanding debt of Kyiv residents for heating and hot water has increased by 6.5% since the beginning of the heating season, reaching UAH 8 billion, according to Kostiantyn Lopatin, Director of the Energy Supply Division of Kyivteploenergo – Energozbut.

"The situation with debt remains challenging. While the vast majority of Kyiv residents pay their heating and hot water bills in full and on time, the overall debt continues to grow. Since the start of this heating season, it has risen by nearly 6.5%, reaching UAH 8 billion as of early March. Of this amount, UAH 5 billion accounts for heating debt, while nearly UAH 3 billion is owed for hot water supply," Lopatin stated during a briefing on the results of the 2024/2025 heating season at KyivInform on Monday.

He emphasized that Kyivteploenergo encourages consumers to settle their debts through pre-litigation agreements by restructuring payments under favorable terms.

However, Lopatin warned that if consumers are unwilling to take advantage of this option, the company has no choice but to intensify legal action against debtors.

"Both systematic penalty enforcement and court rulings have proven to be effective measures against chronic debtors. Currently, Kyiv's district courts are handling 1,500 cases concerning debt recovery for utility services, with new cases being prepared and rulings issued daily," he said.

Lopatin also highlighted that, since the beginning of 2024, the moratorium on penalties has been lifted. As a result, the company is now charging a late payment fee of 0.01% per day, which must be paid without exception. If a case proceeds to court, additional financial penalties – including inflationary adjustments and an annual interest rate of 3% – will be applied.

He further warned that unpaid utility bills could ultimately lead to the seizure of bank account funds, real estate, and vehicles.

Deputy Head of the Kyiv City State Administration, Petro Panteleyev, noted that analysis of debtors' profiles indicates that most non-paying consumers are individuals who have the financial means to pay but consider utility bills a "secondary priority."