Heat, hot water supply to be stable

In order to prevent emergency situations, Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has approved Methods of determining technological minimum of natural gas consumption for heating facilities, the Information-Analytical Bulletin of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine informs.

The procedures, developed by the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Housing and Communal Services, guarantees nominal operation of enterprises that produce thermal energy for heating and hot water supply.

The minimum amount of heat is calculated based on the standards and guidelines for consumption of fuel for heating residential and public buildings, as well as for domestic use, subject to certain requirements. For example, air temperature inside the health care and preschools institutions should be at least +20 degrees C. and in general education establishments and residences +18 degrees C. Consumption of thermal energy for hot water is calculated so that the temperature of hot water consumers receive be at least +40 degrees C. 

By Jan. 1, annually, business entities in the field of heat generation determine the technological minimum of natural gas consumption which  is fed to the Council of Ministers of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, regional state administrations, as well to the Kyivv and Sevastopol city state administrations and NAK Naftogaz Ukraine.

According to industry experts, this approach will help prevent a complete disconnection of thermal energy companies from the gas supply. Naftogaz Ukraine will provide for the uninterrupted supply of fuel and in full to those companies that timely pay for consumed resources.

The government has given considerable attention to the problem of reducing energy consumption in the area of housing and communal services. The measures taken from 2010 to 2013 decreased cut gas consumption by heat producers by 10% - from 11.1 billion cubic meters to 10 billion cubic meters. A further 5% reduction is expected before the start of 2014.