Main Points
- Thermal energy companies have submitted a package of proposals to NCRECP to amend the Gas Distribution Systems Code.
- The government’s decree allows the installation of boilers without land documents, but the gas code requires these papers.
- Obolgaz companies refuse to connect reserve heat sources or artificially delay the process.
- Experts propose canceling the requirement for land documents during the war and 24 months after it.
- The legitimacy of the boiler placement can be confirmed by the decision of the local authorities or the landowner.
- The rapid adoption of changes is a critical step in preparing Ukrainian cities for winter.
The Association of Critical Infrastructure Operators of Ukraine (ACIO) and the Thermal Energy Cluster call on NCRECP to resolve the legal conflict. This is about urgently making changes to the Gas Distribution Systems Code. This is necessary for the rapid connection of block-modular boilers and distributed generation facilities to gas networks.
The problem is that the government’s decree No. 1320 allows the construction of reserve heat supply facilities without prior registration of land rights. However, this simplified mechanism is actually blocked by the current Gas Distribution Systems Code. The document strictly requires the submission of papers on the right to own or use the land. Due to this contradiction, gas network operators refuse to connect or artificially delay the process.
Obtaining land documentation under the standard procedure takes many months. ACIO Executive Secretary Ruslan Golub notes that this completely destroys the idea of emergency government benefits. There are serious risks for the timely launch of reserve heat sources.
ACIO proposes to remove the requirement for land documents for distributed generation facilities during the war and for two years after its cancellation. The legitimacy of the installation must be confirmed by the decision of local authorities, military administrations, or the direct consent of the landowner.
Thermal Energy Cluster President Anatoly Korzh emphasizes the absurdity of the situation. Communities buy equipment for reserve heat supply, but the equipment stands idle for months due to bureaucracy. The prompt adoption of changes will allow cities to prepare critical infrastructure for the new heating season on time.
Also read:
Government initiative to inform about the heating season
