Ukraine's Naftogaz Ends Viber and Telegram Meter Readings, Introduces New Reporting Methods

Revised Procedures for Submitting Gas Meter Readings

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukraine's primary gas supplier, Naftogaz, has implemented new rules for reporting household gas meter data. The company, which serves 98% of the country's residential consumers, has discontinued the option to submit readings via the gas.ua chatbots on Viber and Telegram. Customers must now use one of the newly designated official channels.

Alternative Methods for Reporting Consumption

Readings for consumed cubic meters of gas must be submitted monthly between the 1st and the 5th. Failure to report on time will result in billing based on a planned monthly consumption estimate. Industry experts emphasize the importance of consistent reporting, advising:

“You must submit your meter readings even if you are not using gas or are not residing at the property. Simply send the unchanged reading from your meter.”

Several convenient alternatives are now available for submitting gas meter readings:

• The 'Kub' mobile application, available on Google Play and the AppStore;
• A personal account on the gas.ua website;
• A personal account with the local gas distribution system operator (Hazmerezhi);
• An SMS to the short number 4647;
• A phone call to the contact center at 0 800 303 104.

These changes are intended to streamline the data submission process for consumers. This policy shift is part of a broader modernization of utility services in Ukraine, moving towards more integrated digital platforms. The discontinuation of the popular Viber and Telegram bots may initially inconvenience users accustomed to those methods. While the new options, such as the mobile app and SMS, aim to improve the user experience, they may require some adaptation. Consumers should familiarize themselves with the new deadlines and submission channels to avoid issues with their gas bill calculations.