Reasons for Higher Electricity Bills
Energy supplier Yasno has clarified why some customers are receiving larger electricity bills despite experiencing power cuts. The primary factors influencing these charges include:
- Inrush current from appliances;
- Individual consumer habits;
- Irregular meter reading submissions;
- Potential meter malfunctions.
The residential electricity tariff is set at UAH 4.32 per kWh. In January 2026, electricity consumption among Kyiv residents who are Yasno's household clients increased by 41% compared to January 2025. This surge can be linked to various factors affecting power usage, particularly inrush current. When power is restored, the motors in appliances like refrigerators, pumps, and air conditioners can draw 3 to 7 times more electricity than during normal operation.
Furthermore, individual consumer habits play a significant role. Some people turn on all available equipment during the few hours when power is available, which can lead to a substantial spike in consumption. For January 2026, meter readings were submitted late or incompletely by 2% fewer customers than in December 2025. The estimated consumption for customers who submitted readings late was found to be 37% higher.
Another reason for higher bills can be irregular meter reading submissions. If consumers do not submit their meter readings on time each month, charges are calculated based on estimated average consumption. Additionally, while rare, meter malfunctions can occur, displaying anomalous consumption figures.
Yasno's General Director, Serhii Kovalenko, stated: 'There is no magic in electricity bills. There is a formula: the energy consumed by the client, multiplied by the tariff. In January, we had prolonged blackouts, but there were also hours with power. Therefore, bills cannot be zero. And each customer used electricity during this time differently: some frugally, while others turned on the maximum number of appliances in an attempt to get everything done, and accordingly received higher bills.'
The Need for Energy Infrastructure Modernization
The total requirement for the restoration and modernization of Ukraine's energy sector over the next ten years is estimated at USD 90.6 billion, which is 34% higher than the previous damage assessment. This indicates that the country's energy infrastructure requires significant investment to improve the quality of electricity supply and reduce risks for consumers.
The rise in electricity bills in Ukraine, especially under conditions of frequent outages, serves as an important signal for both consumers and the energy sector. Given the high rates of consumption growth, the need for infrastructure modernization becomes even more urgent, as it can impact supply stability and economic indicators. Investments in the energy sector could help not only improve supply quality but also reduce the financial burden on consumers in the future. This situation highlights the complex challenges facing Ukraine's power grid as it endures ongoing strain.