Magnitogorsk Residents Shocked by Soaring Heating Bills
Magnitogorsk residents have begun receiving January heating bills from Teplofikatsiya, with amounts significantly higher than in December—in some cases by over 100%, according to residents who spoke to MGORSK.RU. The resource supply organization explained the reasons behind these figures.
Olga, who lives in a one-room apartment, received a bill for 5,500 rubles (about $60 at current rates) this month. In December, she was charged 2,600 rubles (about $29 at current rates), which she paid on time and had no debt, the reader assured.
«This month»s total payment for everything, including heating, thus amounted to over 9,000 rubles (about $100 at current rates). That«s just for utilities. How is this possible in a small apartment where two people live? The difference is extremely noticeable for me. It seems like my child and I will be switching to carrots starting in February,» Olga fumes.
Yana, with a three-room apartment, received a bill for 6,600 rubles (about $73 at current rates).
«In December it was 4,593 rubles (about $51 at current rates). What more is there to comment on?» the resident replied.
Anastasia, who also lives in a three-room apartment, saw a difference of 2,000 rubles (about $22 at current rates) in her bills.
«We have no debts; I always pay between the 9th and 10th of each month. And I submit meter readings. The amount has skyrocketed,» the reader noted.
Teplofikatsiya confirmed that they have already received complaints from residents. If there was no debt in December, citizens should note that one bill covers both heating and hot water, explained Violetta Musina, deputy director for thermal energy sales at Teplofikatsiya.
«What do the charges consist of? Heating is the volume of thermal energy consumed by the building, which can be assessed based on the building-wide meter. And hot water supply,» answered Violetta Musina. «If there is no meter, then [charges are] based on the standard per number of persons registered in the premises. As for hot water, people often neglect to submit meter readings. This may be related [to the amount charged].»
The fact that residents used more hot water in January could also have had an impact.
«Many were home for half a month. Naturally, the amount of resource consumed increased,» added Violetta Musina.
Residents were advised to personally contact Teplofikatsiya if questions about the bills remain. A request to verify information can be submitted in free form via the organization«s website, by phone, or in person.
