In Ukraine, officials are preparing to raise tariffs for cold water supply and sanitation services in 2023. Draft resolutions outlining the changes have been published on the website of the National Commission for State Regulation in the Field of Energy and Utilities, offering a detailed look at the planned increases and the timeline. The publication of these drafts marks a critical step in the regulatory process, signaling forthcoming adjustments that will impact households and businesses across multiple regions.
As the documents indicate, the first round of tariff increases is slated to take effect on January 1, with a second round scheduled for July 1. This staged approach is designed to distribute the financial impact over the year, giving consumers and water utility providers a clearer path to transition and plan accordingly. The two-step schedule aligns with standard regulatory practice used in many countries to manage essential service costs while maintaining service quality.
Notably, the Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions controlled by the Ukrainian authorities are currently absent from the list of areas where the new tariff rates will apply. This omission has prompted regional discussions among local authorities and residents about the expected timing and conditions for tariff adjustments, as well as the broader implications for regional utility funding and service reliability.
According to RBC-Ukraine, the new tariffs are expected to be formally approved on December 27. The timing underscores the urgency of aligning regulatory decisions with fiscal planning and the need to ensure that the transition to higher rates is communicated clearly to households and businesses ahead of the effective dates. Stakeholders are watching how these approvals will influence monthly bills and the operational budgets of water utilities across the country.
Former President Volodymyr Zelensky has commented on the water supply situation, noting ongoing difficulties across the sector. He highlighted that the situation is particularly challenging in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, and Lviv regions, where infrastructure strain has been pronounced. The assessment points to a substantial restoration effort required to improve both heating and water distribution systems, emphasizing that comprehensive rehabilitation will take time and coordinated action from national and local authorities, as well as utility operators. The remarks reflect a broader recognition that tariff changes must be balanced with the need to maintain reliable service during a period of infrastructural stress and rebuilding efforts.