The implementation of resilience plans for Ukrainian communities is jeopardized by a lack of funding and the government’s outstanding debts related to tariff differences. The total debt owed to heating suppliers has reached 72 billion hryvnias.
According to officials, the primary request from communities is for funding to execute these resilience plans. “There are numerous challenges. Firstly, the state owes over 72 billion hryvnias to heating enterprises for tariff differences. They cannot utilize these funds to prepare for the upcoming winter,” stated a representative from the Association of Ukrainian Cities.
Additionally, there are significant issues surrounding gas supply. “When we discuss cogeneration, it primarily involves gas supply. Currently, 69 heating enterprises could be halted at any moment by Naftogaz due to debts that could be covered by the state’s obligations. Moreover, 65 kopecks of every hryvnia paid for heating is taken by the state and given to Naftogaz,” the advisor explained.
It was noted that in areas controlled by Ukraine, 113 communities rely on centralized heating systems, with the highest risks concentrated in these regions.
The Association of Ukrainian Cities is actively collaborating with the government and the Ministry of Regional Development to streamline cogeneration agreements. In March of this year, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine approved resilience plans for all territorial communities, excluding the capital.
Ukrainian communities face significant challenges in implementing resilience plans due to a funding crisis and substantial state debts to heating suppliers. The situation is exacerbated by potential disruptions in gas supply, putting many communities at risk as winter approaches.