Development Plans and Achievements
During the last heating season, Teplovyk met 30% of the city's electricity needs (including industry). Thanks to cogeneration units, the enterprise covered 100% of its own energy needs and 80% of the heat production for the city.
For the coming year, the district heating company planned to increase its share in Starokostiantyniv's energy supply to 50%, but these plans are currently at risk.
Conflict with Naftogaz
According to Dushenko, the enterprise signed a settlement agreement with Naftogaz for UAH 77 million (UAH 56 million in principal debt and UAH 21 million in penalties). Despite regular payments over five months, Naftogaz Trading credited the funds as payment for current debts rather than under the settlement agreement. As a result, the enterprise's accounts were blocked.
Key Industry Challenges
Oleksandr Dushenko highlighted several critical factors hindering the transformation of district heating companies:
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Funding Shortages: The 4% of PIT (Personal Income Tax) remaining in local budgets covers only about 10% of the actual difference in tariffs.
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Blocked Accounts: This makes it impossible to conduct repair campaigns, modernize, or participate in the electricity balancing market.
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Lack of Legislative Regulation: The industry requires intervention from relevant ministries and members of parliament to resolve debt and compensation issues.
Oleksandr Slobozhan, Executive Director of the Association of Cities of Ukraine, added that Naftogaz has currently blocked the accounts of 69 district heating enterprises across the country through the courts. This threatens preparations for the upcoming heating season and the implementation of community energy resilience plans.
