Yakutia to See 15% Utility Rate Increase from October

Residents of Yakutia will face two increases in utility rates in 2026, State Committee for Price Policy of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Chairman Nikolai Bochkov said during a live broadcast on January 22.

The first hike already took effect on January 1 – a 1.7% rise due to the VAT increase from 20% to 22%, and bills at the new rates will arrive soon. The second increase is scheduled for October 1, when the average rise for all utility services will be revised. This affects electricity, heating, hot and cold water, sewerage, gas, and waste removal.

“The total increase in citizens« payments for the entire set of utility services should not exceed 15%,” Bochkov stated.

What exactly will become more expensive and by how much:

• electricity supply – 10.7% (in the «day/night» zone – +13.9%);

• gas supply – 8.6%;

• liquefied gas in cylinders – 4.9%;

• solid waste removal – on average 9.4%, but in Yakutsk there will be a 31% increase (due to the launch of a new landfill and sorting complex);

• heating – 14%;

• hot water – 18%;

• cold water – 15%.

Nikolai Bochkov noted that, despite the rise in utility rates, residents of Yakutia still pay only 24% of the real cost of utilities, while the remaining 76% falls on the republic«s budget. Specifically in 2026, 55 billion rubles (approximately $611 million at current rates) have been allocated to cover expenses.

“This is one fifth of the budget revenues and a record for the country,” Bochkov said.

Responding to questions from Yakutia residents during the live broadcast, he explained that subsidies are available for large families (30% regardless of income), while pensioners, disabled people, veterans, and participants in the special military operation can apply for additional support measures. However, if utility payments consume more than 15% of the family budget, Yakutia residents have the right to apply for targeted assistance through the Subsidy Agency.