Ukraine Moves Toward Dynamic Electricity Pricing for Smart-Meter Users

Ukraine’s National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) has approved draft amendments on Tuesday, Sept. 15 that would allow consumers with smart meters to choose electricity contracts with prices that fluctuate throughout the day.Under the proposed rules, dynamic prices would follow price movements in Ukraine’s day-ahead and intraday wholesale markets, according to the regulator’s official website.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.The draft will remain published on the official website for public comments and suggestions before any final decision is adopted.Participation remains voluntary.What dynamic pricing means for consumersUnder a dynamic-price contract, the cost of electricity would change at different times of the day instead of remaining fixed under a conventional retail arrangement.For consumers, this means an opportunity to manage electricity costs. For example, individuals could opt to move flexible activities – such as charging an electric vehicle or running household appliances – to periods when market prices are lower.However, this also means that bills could significantly rise if electricity is used during hours when wholesale prices are higher.The option would be available only to customers with smart meters, which can record electricity use during specific time periods.Before a dynamic-price contract is signed, the supplier would have to specifically explain what determines price changes and disclose the potential risks, costs, and benefits. Other Topics of Interest Ukraine to Boost Protection of Railways, Fuel Stations New contracts will expand electronic warfare and air-defense measures around railways, gas stations and other critical facilities. Customers would also be able to monitor information on their electricity consumption and changes in prices through their personal online accounts.Supplier switching and EU accessAccording to NEURC, the draft amendments would streamline the procedure for changing electricity suppliers.For household customers and smaller non-household consumers, switching suppliers would be free of charge.Consumers would also be able to choose an electricity supplier registered in an EU member state or an Energy Community country, provided that the company is authorized to operate in Ukraine’s electricity market.The proposed changes are intended to implement legislation aimed at bringing Ukraine’s energy market closer to EU rules, as Kyiv pursues its accession bid. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.