Ukrainian Prime Minister Called Out for Cutting Back Gas Consumption

Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk has suggested an “energy modernization” plan and cutting back on all kinds of fuel.

Since Ukraine suspended gas purchases from Russia's energy company Gazprom on July 1 due to a disagreement over prices, the famous "winter is coming" motto probably gives shivers to more than Game of Thrones fans in Kiev.

The winter of 2016 is actually coming pretty soon, The Ukrainian prime minister has offered a so-called "energy modernization" plan, correspondent.net reported.  

 "We need to execute concrete and efficient measures that will let us use gas, energy and any kind of fuel as less as possible, "Yatsenyuk said. "Our heating system was built back in the USSR era."

According to the prime minister, it is essential that Ukraine carries out "energy modernization," which means citizens should think of alternative ways of thermal protection and replacing current heating systems.

The old boilers not only consume too much gas and fail at keeping houses warm enough, but also result in higher bills, Yatsenyuk said. He promised loans and subsidies to citizens who decide to replace the old boilers.

Proposed measures would help to cut back gas consumption and reduce citizens' expenses on housing and public utilities.  

Previously, the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers proposed lowering the minimum allowable temperature in dwellings with central heating to 16 degrees Celsius, which would allow the government to save a great deal of money but leave people in cold homes.

At present, Ukraine receives reverse gas flows from Slovakia, Hungary and Poland.