06.01.2026
On January 6, 2026, Energy Club hosted a public discussion on NEURC reform. Key stakeholders and authors of the bills debated how to restore trust in the Regulator and ensure its independence. Here are the key takeaways from the speakers.
Member of Parliament and First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Housing and Communal Services, Oleksii Kucherenko (co-author of the alternative Bill No. 12065-1), shared his historical perspective and explained why another “reboot” without changing principles will fail.
24 Years of Attempts
“I know this history well. After visiting the US in 2001, I returned a fan of independent regulation. I even tried to explain it to President Kuchma… He didn’t understand what I was talking about but said: ‘Do it!’ Back then, the law got only 10 votes.”
The Nature of Independence
“Does an absolutely independent institution exist within a state system? That is pure manipulation. Checks and balances must include monitoring. If you don’t like the word ‘control,’ call it ‘integrity monitoring.'”
The Water Tariffs Case (Evidence of Dependence)
“In late 2022, the Commission raised water tariffs. Then came a call from the ‘House Number One’… They were told: ‘Guys, you forgot to consult us.’ Four days later, the same members canceled their decision because the Supreme Commander-in-Chief called it ‘shameful’.
I assert: the member who received that call was legally obliged to report the pressure to the SBI immediately. Independence is when an official has the guts to say: ‘No, I won’t do this,’ or report it. There is no other way to achieve independence.”
Energy Ombudsman
“Our bill demands the creation of a Tariff Ombudsman. Consumer protection must be separate because the current regulator handles it ineffectively.”
