The 2025-2026 Heating Season Schedule
According to Government Decree No. 1267, the official heating season will run from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. However, local authorities have the power to order an early shutdown of central heating if the average daily outdoor temperature exceeds +8°C (46°F) for three consecutive days. This regulatory framework aims to conserve energy while maintaining essential services. Should a sudden cold snap occur in April, communities can decide to extend heating for critical institutions like hospitals and schools.
Starting April 1, district heating companies will begin switching to their summer operational mode. For households with individual heat meters, this should result in little to no heating charges on their April utility bills, as demand for heating naturally drops with warmer weather. This transition is a standard annual procedure to align supply with seasonal needs.
Rising Electricity Costs and Contributing Factors
Separately, residents are also facing increased electricity bills, driven by several key factors. Serhii Kovalenko explains that Kyiv residents, in particular, have seen higher charges following prolonged blackouts, which were caused by severe winter frosts and massive attacks on the energy infrastructure.
"Bills can spike due to consumption surges after power is restored," notes Kovalenko.He points out that the electric motors in appliances like refrigerators and pumps can draw 3 to 7 times more power during startup. These post-outage spikes significantly impact overall household energy expenses.
The fixed heating season and provisions for early shutoff are part of broader efforts to optimize energy resource consumption. Given the ongoing energy crisis and rising electricity prices, consumers should prepare for fluctuations in their utility payments. Adapting to these conditions also requires greater public awareness of energy use, especially in the periods immediately following the restoration of power after outages.