Fines for meters: who is threatened with sanctions for interference with accounting devices

Fines for meters: who is threatened with sanctions for interference with accounting devices

According to ХВИЛЯ: In Ukraine, inspections of utility accounting devices are ongoing, which reveal possible violations related to unauthorized consumption of resources. Sanctions for such actions are defined by part 1 of Article 103-1 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses (CoAP). In particular, citizens can receive a warning or be fined from 170 to 850 hryvnias. For officials, fines range from 510 to 1360 hryvnias.

Inspection and accounting rules

It is important to note that gas accounting devices are subject to mandatory periodic inspection. Equipment of class 1.0 requires control every two years, while for class 1.5 this period is eight years. This regulation aims to ensure the accuracy of consumed resources accounting and to prevent interference in their operation.

Among the common ways to interfere with accounting devices, one can highlight:

• use of magnets;
• physical interference in the design of the devices;
• creating conditions for incomplete accounting.

If a consumer believes that an act of violation has been drawn up unlawfully or the fine is unreasonable, they have the right to challenge the supplier's decision in court. As specialist Andriy Shelykh notes,

“practice shows the possibility of successful appeal of the fine if it can be confirmed that there was no real interference in the accounting.”

Inspections of utility accounting devices and the imposition of fines for violations are important elements of the control system for resource consumption in Ukraine. The growing attention to the accuracy of accounting and preventing unauthorized consumption indicates the state's desire to ensure fairness in the field of utility services. Consumers should be aware of their rights and the possibilities of appealing fines to effectively protect their interests in case of conflict situations.