Following a meter inspection, “Lvivgaz” compelled one consumer to pay an additional 160 thousand UAH. The issue was the absence of a seal on the device. While the Lviv region resident settled part of the sum voluntarily, “Lvivgaz” enforced payment of the balance through legal proceedings.
The ruling from the Drohobych City District Court in case No. 442/4648/25 details this matter. During an examination of gas pipelines at the residence, “Lvivgaz” observed the seal was missing on the “Gallus G-4” metering unit.
“Expert analysis confirmed the absence of the manufacturer’s seal and identified scratches on the bracket securing the factory seal. Furthermore, dents (indentations) were found atop the meter’s cap near its attachment to the main body,” state the case documents.
The court approved the supplementary charge, mandating the defendant pay 160 thousand UAH. Given that slightly over 40 thousand UAH had been paid willingly, only the difference of nearly 120 thousand UAH requires additional payment.
All Ukrainians using gas undergo meter verification. The State Consumer Service clarifies that verification frequency depends on the meter type, occurring every two to eight years. The expense for this verification is already factored into the gas bill (meaning no extra payment is needed).
Therefore, tasks related to periodic verification (dismantling, transport, verification, and reinstallation) for household gas meters are carried out at the expense of the Gas Distribution System Operator (GDSO).
During a visit to the premises where the gas meter is fitted, a GDSO representative and the consumer jointly complete and sign a protocol for meter removal for periodic verification in duplicate. One copy remains with the consumer, the other with the gas distribution company agent.
“The responsibility for timely verification, servicing, and maintenance (including dismantling, transport, and reinstallation) of metering devices (whose readings determine residential gas payments), owned by individuals or jointly by multi-apartment building owners, lies with the entities supplying natural gas,” explains the State Consumer Service.