What to do in case of disconnection from utilities due to debt

Disconnection from electricity, gas, or water supply due to existing debt is an unpleasant situation, but not a hopeless one. The legislation of Ukraine provides both the obligation to pay for the services provided and the right of the consumer to proper information and protection of their interests.

Step-by-step actions in case of disconnection:

1. Check the documents — request from the provider an official decision or notice of disconnection and the grounds for such a step.
2. Clarify the amount of debt — obtain a detailed statement with calculations; sometimes errors occur in the charges.
3. Submit an application for restructuring — you have the right to conclude an agreement on gradual repayment of the debt.
4. Appeal unlawful actions — if the disconnection occurred without prior notice or in violation of the procedure, you may file a complaint with the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities, local self-government bodies, or the court.
5. Service restoration — after partial or full repayment of the debt, the provider is obliged to reconnect you within the time limits established by law.

Prohibition of suspension of utility services

According to current legislation, the suspension/termination of housing and utility services due to non-payment or partial payment by the population is prohibited in hromadas located in areas of active hostilities or occupied territories, as well as if the housing was damaged as a result of the war.

What to do if utilities are disconnected due to debts of the previous owner?

A fairly common situation: you bought an apartment or a house, and the utility provider disconnected electricity, water, or gas due to the debts of the previous owner. The legislation of Ukraine clearly establishes that the new owner is not responsible for the debts of the previous one. However, sometimes providers try to limit services until the debt is paid.

Step-by-step actions:

1. Collect documents confirming ownership — extract from the State Register of Property Rights, purchase agreement, etc.
2. Obtain a certificate of debts from the provider — request separation of the personal account and confirmation that the debt belongs to the previous owner.
3. Submit a written application for conclusion of a new contract in your name — the law obliges the provider to conclude a contract with the new owner, regardless of the existence of the previous owner’s debt.
4. In case of refusal — apply to the court with a claim to oblige the provider to conclude a contract for the provision of the relevant utility service or to oblige the provider to exclude the previous owners’ debts from the personal account.
5. Service restoration — after the conclusion of the new contract, the provider is obliged to resume the provision of utility services.

If you are faced with illegal disconnection or have difficulties resolving debt issues, make an appointment with lawyers on PravoVsim

platform. They will help protect your rights and find a lawful way out of the situation.

This publication has been produced as part of a project implemented by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) with funding from the European Union through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the DRC. Neither the European Commission nor the DRC can be held responsible for the content of this material.