I do not use gas: can I not pay for distribution?
Many Ukrainians are interested in the question: is it necessary to pay for gas distribution if the gas itself is not actually used, and is it possible to avoid such charges?
This was reported to the Holos Sokalshchyny by the press service of the Gas Networks company.
Why is the fee charged even if there is no gas supply?
The bottom line is that the gas distribution fee is not a payment for the volume of fuel consumed, but rather a payment for the maintenance and service of gas networks. Gas distribution companies, such as Gazmerezhi, ensure that the system is always ready to supply gas to your home. This means that regardless of whether you use gas or not, the infrastructure (pipelines, equipment, dispatch services) is constantly maintained so that you can get gas at any time.
Even if the meter reads “0” of gas consumed, the gas distribution system operator still bears the costs of maintaining the network, emergency services, meter calibration and other operating expenses. Therefore, if you have a signed gas distribution agreement and your home is connected to the network, distribution charges are mandatory.
What if you do not want to pay for distribution?
The only legal way to completely stop charging for gas distribution is to officially terminate the contract with the gas distribution system operator and physically disconnect from the network. However, it is worth considering that reconnection to the gas network is a paid and rather expensive procedure that may exceed the amount of monthly distribution charges you would have paid over a long period of time.
“Distribution charges are legitimate because the gas distribution system operator constantly maintains the network, ensuring that consumers can use gas at any time. To stop the charges, it is necessary to terminate the contract and disconnect from the gas network, but reconnection will cost much more than monthly payments,” explains the Lviv branch of Gazmerezha.
It is important to remember that non-payment for gas distribution can lead to the accumulation of debts, which can later be collected in court or cause the termination of gas supply. The minimum monthly payment for gas distribution depends on the consumption group and the type of gas equipment installed.
Even if you do not use gas, you should report your meter readings from the 1st to the 5th day of each month. This will allow the gas services to record the absence of consumption and avoid possible misunderstandings or charges based on averaged readings.