Not only those with minimal incomes, but also working families and individuals earning above the poverty line can potentially reduce their housing and communal services (HUS) payments. A senior economist from the Financial Literacy Center (NIFI) at Russia’s Ministry of Finance, Olga Daineko, shares insights that help clarify how households can manage these costs. The information is presented here for a broad audience seeking practical guidance on budgeting for utilities and navigating potential subsidies.
The standard guideline expects housing and communal costs to stay within 22 percent of a family’s total income, though regional variations may yield a lower threshold in certain areas. If expenses rise beyond this benchmark, households should understand that there are subsidy opportunities available from official programs. These subsidies are designed to ease the burden when legitimate needs arise and should be explored through the appropriate government channels to determine eligibility and application steps.
Rising bill totals this year have prompted renewed focus on reducing overall consumption and tightening the use of energy and water resources. While the likelihood of receiving a subsidy often correlates with income level, those with income above the subsistence minimum may still qualify for financial assistance under specific circumstances. Prospective recipients are encouraged to review current requirements, document consumption patterns, and communicate with local authorities to assess available support options. The goal is to ensure households do not pay beyond reasonable limits while still supporting essential services and infrastructure.
In related developments, there were reports that the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Communal Services proposed to the government a plan connected to the adoption of new metering technology. The idea envisions including the costs of installing and maintaining smart water and heat meters in the tariffs for housing and communal services. Under this proposal, resource-sourcing organizations (RSOs) could take on the installation responsibilities as service providers, with all related costs rolled into regular utility charges. If approved, the policy would aim to modernize billing, improve resource management, and provide clearer indications of actual consumption for households, while maintaining affordability safeguards through subsidy mechanisms and tariff controls. This approach reflects ongoing efforts to align price signals with real usage and to support energy and water efficiency across regions.