(KYIV, UKRAINE) – Ukraine’s energy regulator has ordered unscheduled inspections of 11 regional gas distribution operators following concerns over possible errors in household natural gas consumption data used for billing customers.
The National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities, known as NKREKP, approved the inspections after receiving complaints from Naftogaz of Ukraine about possible violations in the collection and transfer of household gas consumption information.
The regulator said it will examine whether gas distribution operators followed legal requirements when calculating household gas consumption volumes and submitting data to the information platform operated by Ukraine’s gas transmission system operator.
The inspections will assess whether information recorded in the system matches actual meter readings and complies with Ukraine’s gas distribution and gas transmission regulations.
NKREKP said accurate consumption data is essential because suppliers use the information provided by gas distribution companies to calculate customer bills. Any differences between actual meter readings and submitted data could affect the amounts paid by households.
The regulator’s action follows information from Naftogaz about possible unusual changes in reported natural gas consumption levels among some residential customers.
Reported concerns include sudden increases in recorded consumption, significant differences from average household usage patterns and repeated adjustments to submitted data. These cases will be examined during the state inspections.
The inspections will cover 11 gas distribution operators, including Gadiachgaz, Kyivgaz, Kremenchukgaz, Lubnygaz, Odesagaz, Poltavagaz, Ternopilmiskgaz, Umanhaz, Khersongaz, Shepetivkagaz and the Kremenets Gas Supply and Sales Management Company.
A separate letter from Ukraine’s Security Service also raised concerns about possible damage to state interests linked to the licensed activities of gas distribution operators.
NKREKP said the inspections will determine whether companies properly performed their responsibilities in managing gas distribution services and maintaining reliable information systems.
The regulator added that it will provide legal assessments after completing the inspections and will take action under Ukrainian law if violations are confirmed.
The review comes as Ukraine continues efforts to strengthen transparency and oversight in its energy sector during wartime. Accurate energy data has become increasingly important as the country manages infrastructure risks, supply challenges and the financial pressure on utilities.
Earlier in July, NKREKP updated its regulatory framework to comply with legislation allowing owners of homes damaged by the war to be exempt from paying gas distribution charges.