Payment for housing and communal services is a significant component of expenses for Russian families. Since 2014, there will be three important changes in the tariffication of housing and communal services - a new line will appear in receipts, the procedure for paying for electricity will probably change, and the rate of growth in the cost of housing and communal services should slow down.
The appearance in the receipts of a new column - "overhaul"
Since 2014, receipts for payment of utility bills will be replenished with a new line - "overhaul". If earlier the overhaul was financed at the state expense, now it will be paid by the citizens themselves. The fee will be set in each region. According to forecasts, it will be 6-10 rubles. per sq.m.
The obligation to pay contributions will be assigned to each tenant, except for those who live in emergency houses. For Russians, there are two options to choose from - pay in favor of a specialized regional operator or save money in a specialized account.
The law stipulates the operator's responsibility for the safety of funds. If at the time of the overhaul they are not there, then it should be made with the money of the regional budget.
This innovation will undoubtedly lead to a significant increase in the cost of housing and communal services.
The introduction of the maximum index of the increase in housing and communal services tariffs
A very positive innovation for citizens is the introduction of limit indices for increasing payments for housing and communal services. They will have to be installed for the next 3 years, and then - for 5 years. The index will be determined taking into account the level of consumer prices and inflation. In this case, it is assumed that a reduction factor of 0.7 is applied. For example, with an inflation rate of 5%, the increase in utility tariffs should not exceed 3.5%.
At the end of 2013, the cost of housing and communal services increased by 9.8% on average. The growth leaders were gas (+ 15%), electricity (+ 13%), heating (+ 11%) and hot water (+ 10.6%).
The government should put the limit on the increase in tariffs for housing and communal services on July 1, 2014. Regions will be able to set their own tariff growth bar, but it should not be 1.5 times higher than the level set by the government. For example, if the level of 3.5% per year is approved, then the governor can increase it only within 5.25%.
Introduction of a social rate of electricity consumption
It is assumed that from the summer of 2014 in Russia in each region should be determined by the social rate of electricity consumption. Kilowatts that will be consumed in excess of the norm will have to be paid at increased rates.
Social norms have been in effect in 6 Russian regions since September 2013. According to statistics, about 80% of Russians "fit" into their framework and did not pay more for housing and communal services.
According to the latest amendments, the regions must independently determine the feasibility of introducing social norms for electricity consumption by March 1, 2016. However, so far the regional authorities are reluctant to implement this initiative and it operates exclusively in the pilot regions.
Previously, it was also planned to introduce social norms for the consumption of gas, water and heating. But in April 2014, these decisions were canceled due to the lack of metering devices among the population.
