The EnergyReform platform by the “Interfax-Ukraine” agency has published an exclusive interview with Liudmyla Formadzhiv, a lawyer of the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine (SEAU). In the interview, Ms. Liudmyla highlights the issue of non-payments by Universal Service Providers (USPs) for electricity generated by residential solar power plants (RSPPs) and outlines ways to protect the interests of RSPP owners.
According to the SEAU lawyer, the primary cause of the problem lies in debts between USPs and the national grid operator, Ukrenergo. However, she emphasizes that, under current legislation, RSPP owners should not suffer due to these circumstances. SEAU provides legal assistance to affected parties, helping them prepare lawsuits and supporting them in court proceedings, including through the electronic court system.
Liudmyla Formadzhiv notes that courts uphold most claims filed by RSPP owners against USPs for unpaid “green” tariff payments.
“As of now, in 2024, we have received over 100 appeals from RSPP owners, with approximately 90% of them concerning non-payments. Around 70 lawsuits have already been filed to recover funds from USPs for the electricity they purchased, and 65 of these cases have been reviewed in court. The trend is quite positive: courts satisfy these claims, standing firmly in defense of residential solar power plant owners,” Ms. Liudmyla explains.
Another encouraging trend is that most USPs voluntarily settle their debts, including court fees after lawsuits are filed. Most of these appeals come from RSPP owners in Dnipro and Odesa, while the Lviv region remains one of the most challenging in terms of payments.
Liudmyla Formadzhiv urges RSPP owners not to hesitate to defend their rights, as courts consistently rule in favor of consumers.