Gas debt restructuring

Gas Debt Restructuring: When Legal Assistance Is Needed

Debt restructuring makes it possible to agree with the gas supplier on repayment of accumulated debt in installments. However, before entering into such an agreement, it is important to make sure that the debt amount has been calculated correctly and that the proposed schedule is realistically affordable. We help:

• verify the amount of natural gas debt;
• analyze charges on the personal account;
• compare charges with payments actually made;
• obtain and review a reconciliation statement;
• prepare an application for restructuring;
• collect the required documents;
• analyze the terms of the restructuring agreement;
• review the initial payment and payment schedule;
• support negotiations with the supplier;
• protect the client’s rights in disputes regarding the debt.

Typical situations include:

• a significant gas debt has accumulated;
• there is no possibility to repay the entire debt in one payment;
• the amount shown in the personal account does not match the consumer’s calculations;
• some previously made payments have not been credited;
• the supplier demands repayment within a short period;
• the proposed monthly payment is too high;
• the supplier has already sent a payment demand;
• a court dispute has arisen regarding the debt;
• the agreement needs to be reviewed before signing.

Restructuring does not mean automatic cancellation of the debt. Its purpose is to agree on terms under which the debt is repaid in installments over a specified period.

Before signing a restructuring agreement, it is important to first confirm that the debt itself is correct. Signing an agreement that records a specific debt amount may significantly affect the consumer’s future legal position.

How to Check Gas Debt Before Restructuring

A lawyer can review:

• personal account data;
• the period during which the debt arose;
• charges for the relevant billing periods;
• payments made by the consumer;
• whether paid receipts were properly credited;
• the existence of adjustments or recalculations;
• documents on which the debt was calculated;
• the existence of previous agreements with the supplier;
• court claims or enforcement documents, if any already exist.

If the consumer disagrees with the amount, it is advisable to obtain a detailed breakdown and perform a reconciliation before formalizing restructuring. Naftogaz of Ukraine currently provides in its restructuring terms that a debtor may request a reconciliation statement to verify the outstanding balance.

Application for Gas Debt Restructuring

An application for gas debt restructuring may include:

• the consumer’s details;
• the personal account number;
• the address of the gas supply property;
• information about the current debt;
• a request to enter into a restructuring agreement;
• the proposed repayment period;
• information about financial circumstances;
• contact details;
• other information required by the specific supplier.

The following may also be required:

• an identity document;
• taxpayer identification number, if available;
• documents confirming ownership or the right to use the housing;
• documents related to the personal account;
• payment receipts;
• other documents requested by the supplier.

For example, Naftogaz of Ukraine currently uses an accession application to a public offer and accepts documents remotely or through other methods specified by the company.

What to Check in a Restructuring Agreement

Before signing, it is necessary to check:

• the amount of debt recorded by the parties in the agreement;
• the amount of the initial payment;
• the number of payments;
• the amount of each monthly payment;
• the restructuring period;
• payment due dates;
• the procedure for paying for current gas consumption;
• the consequences of late payment under the schedule;
• the conditions for termination of the agreement;
• the creditor’s right to go to court;
• other obligations of the consumer.

For consumers of Naftogaz of Ukraine, the current public offer provides for a restructuring period of 2 to 12 months and a minimum initial payment of 30% of the debt amount. The specific terms should be checked immediately before formalization because the supplier may change them.

How to Choose a Realistic Debt Repayment Schedule

Before agreeing to the schedule, it is worth calculating:

• the current monthly income;
• mandatory household expenses;
• the average cost of current gas consumption;
• the amount that can additionally be allocated to the old debt;
• the initial payment amount;
• a financial reserve for unexpected expenses.

A poor scenario is to agree to an excessively high payment simply to conclude the agreement and then fall behind again after one or two months. The terms should make it possible to pay for current gas consumption while gradually repaying the old debt at the same time.

The restructuring schedule should not only be acceptable to the supplier, but also realistically affordable for the consumer throughout the entire agreed period.

Online Gas Debt Restructuring

Naftogaz of Ukraine allows consumers to start the restructuring process remotely: the consumer submits an accession application and copies of the required documents and, after review, receives information about the first payment and the further schedule. However, online gas debt restructuring does not mean that the terms should be accepted without reviewing the documents. Before accepting, make sure that:

• the debt amount is correct;
• all previous payments have been credited;
• the amount of the first payment is clear;
• the schedule is realistically affordable;
• the consequences of breaching the schedule are clear;
• there are no disputed charges that should first be challenged;
• the agreement terms correspond to the arrangements actually reached.

What Happens If the Restructuring Schedule Is Breached

If the consumer breaches the schedule, the consequences are determined by the agreement and the law. For example, the current public offer of Naftogaz of Ukraine provides that if payments under the schedule are late or incomplete, the agreement terminates and the creditor obtains the right to apply to court for recovery of the debt under the terms provided by the offer. That is why, before signing, it is necessary to assess:

• whether each monthly payment is realistic;
• whether current gas consumption can be paid at the same time;
• the financial consequences of even one late payment;
• the possibility of early repayment;
• the consequences of termination of the agreement;
• the risk of further court recovery.

What to Do If the Gas Debt Amount Is Incorrect

First, it is necessary to:

1. obtain a detailed breakdown of the debt;
2. collect receipts and proof of payments made;
3. check the personal account;
4. perform a reconciliation of settlements;
5. identify disputed periods and charges;
6. send a written request to the supplier if errors are found;
7. only after that decide on restructuring of the confirmed amount.

This is important because a restructuring agreement usually records a specific debt amount agreed by the parties. Documents regarding a debt that the consumer reasonably disputes should not be signed without prior review.

Legal Assistance with Gas Debt

Legal assistance may include:

• review of charges and the personal account;
• analysis of receipts and payments made;
• obtaining and reviewing a reconciliation statement;
• preparation of a restructuring application;
• analysis of the agreement and payment schedule;
• preparation of objections to disputed charges;
• negotiations with the gas supplier;
• preparation of responses to debt payment demands;
• protection of the consumer’s interests in court;
• legal support during enforcement of a court decision.

Special rules regarding housing and utility debts associated with periods of temporary occupation should also be taken into account: in 2026, legislation introduced a separate procedure for verification and settlement of such debts.

Cost of Legal Assistance

The cost is affected by:

• the amount of debt;
• the period during which it arose;
• the volume of charges and payment documents;
• the existence of disputed amounts;
• the need to obtain a reconciliation statement;
• the need to prepare an application;
• the complexity of negotiations with the supplier;
• the existence of a payment demand;
• the existence of a court case;
• the need for further representation.

In one case, reviewing the debt and agreement may be sufficient. In another, negotiations, written challenges to the charges, or representation of the client in court may be required.

Common Situations in Gas Debt Restructuring

Conclusion

Gas debt restructuring makes it possible to spread repayment of the outstanding balance over a certain period and reduce the one-time financial burden. However, before entering into an agreement, it is necessary to verify the accuracy of the debt, the amount of the initial payment, the payment schedule, and the consequences of breaching it. If the amount is disputed, it is advisable to first perform a reconciliation and obtain confirmation of the charges, and only then record the debt in a restructuring agreement.

Have you accumulated gas debt and want to arrange restructuring? Submit a request on the Prikhodko & Partners Law Firm website. A lawyer will review the debt and payments, analyze the supplier’s terms, and help properly arrange phased repayment of the debt.