Various experts have been predicting a very difficult situation in Ukraine's energy sector for several years now, especially in the autumn-winter period, when the Russians intensify their shelling of the energy sector. Unfortunately, their forecasts mostly come true regularly. However, even without experts, every Ukrainian knows that every autumn it is necessary to prepare for life in conditions of limited electricity supply in winter, if possible. People are buying up flashlights, power banks en masse, and those who have the opportunity are installing generators or solar panels. In turn, the state is also reaching out to citizens who are independently concerned about their own energy independence. Energy credit programs are currently in place for them. Svitlana Kutsenko, the manager of the Chuguiv branch of the Kharkiv Regional Department of JSC Oschadbank, spoke about them in an interview.
– Svitlana Volodymyrivna, why is the state energy lending program so relevant today?
– Today, the issue of energy security is particularly acute. Every Ukrainian family wants to be sure that their home will be provided with electricity even in difficult conditions. That is why the state energy lending program is not just a financial product, but a real tool for preparing for the heating season and increasing energy independence.
– Which community residents can count on such support?
– The state program "Energy Independence of Households" is designed for owners of private houses with an area of up to 300 square meters. The borrower can be an officially employed person, a pensioner or an individual entrepreneur aged 21 to 65. The main condition is to be the owner or a family member of the owner of the home where the equipment will be installed. It is also important that the total family income does not exceed ten times the average wage in Ukraine.
– For what specific needs does the bank provide funds and what amounts are involved?
– Three financing options are offered. The first is the purchase of generators (diesel, gasoline, gas or dual-fuel). The second is hybrid power supply systems (solar or wind panels with a capacity of 1 to 10 kW together with batteries). The third option combines the two previous ones. The loan amount varies from 10,000 to 480,000 hryvnias, and the repayment period can reach 10 years.
– How burdensome is interest for the average family?
– The conditions are really preferential thanks to the state program. During the first year of lending, the rate for the client is 0% per annum. In the second year, it increases to 5%, in the third – to 7%. That is, the first three years the burden on the budget is minimal. In addition, a one-time compensation of part of the principal debt is provided: for example, 30% of the loan amount when purchasing a full package of equipment (system + generator).
– What documents do I need to collect to submit an application?
– The list is standard: passport, identification code, income certificate for 6 months (or OK-5/OK-7 statement), documents proving ownership of the house and land plot. An invoice from the seller of the equipment is also required, which will clearly indicate the technical specifications (kW power, battery capacity, etc.).
– Are there any restrictions after receiving the loan?
– The main requirement is intended use. Within 180 days after receiving the funds, the borrower must provide the bank with a certificate of work performed and a photo of the installed equipment with a geolocation mark. In the future, the bank will conduct periodic monitoring.
– What benefits do customers receive?
– The most important thing is the opportunity not to postpone important decisions. Thanks to the state program, people can already purchase the necessary equipment today and make their home more secure and comfortable. This is an investment in the safety of their own family and confidence in the future.
– Can you suggest something for apartment buildings?
– Since April 14, Kharkiv and the region have joined the «SvitloDIM» program on the Diya portal. Oschadbank is a partner of the program.
Applications are submitted online through the electronic account on the Diya portal.
Amount of state support:
• 100 thousand UAH – buildings up to 6 floors;
• 200 thousand UAH – 7–16 floors;
• UAH 300,000 – from 17 floors, buildings with boiler rooms and from 4 to 16 floors (inclusive), which have 3 or more entrances.
– Where can the funds be used?
– Funds can be used to purchase:
• gasoline, diesel or gas generators;
• inverters;
• high-voltage battery control units;
• batteries;
• solar panels.
After the purchase, a brief report on the purchased equipment is submitted to the Department within 30 business days. The Bank does not monitor.
– Which organizations can count on support?
– The following can apply:
• condominium;
• housing and service cooperatives;
• managers of apartment buildings regardless of the form of ownership.
– What can you say to the residents of our community?
– We see that people are increasingly interested in the possibilities of ensuring their own energy independence. Our employees are always ready to provide professional advice, help choose the optimal solution and answer all questions. We work to ensure that government programs are accessible and understandable to everyone.