Suspension of gas supply: reasons for disconnecting from gas supply in an apartment building

Why might the gas be turned off?

Gas supply can be cut off for many reasons. However, any disconnection from the main network must take place with prior notice to the user in writing, with the exception of accidents, natural disasters, emergency situations.

Failure to comply with the established rules leads to litigation.

Please note! Gas supply is regulated by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation N 549 of July 21, 2008.Blue fuel enters the house on the basis of a preliminary agreement between the client and a specialized service. After signing the contract, all relations are regulated in accordance with the current legislation of the Russian Federation.

Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation N 549 of 2008 states that the supplier has the right to stop supplying services only with prior notice to the client in writing. The notification shall be sent by registered mail or delivered in person against signature.

Factors that cause gas shutdowns include:

• violation of the terms of the contract by the recipient of the service. For example, evading the timely transmission of data on fuel consumption to the gas service, which is the reason for the non-calculation of the amount of the contribution payable by the client;
• refusal by the customer to allow an authorized inspector to access the gas volume reading device to take readings;
• lack of payment for services by the client within two reporting periods, that is, two months;
• use of equipment that does not correspond to that specified in the contract, violation of safety rules;
• expiration of the contract. Consumption of a resource without a contract. Receipt of information from the management company about the misuse of equipment, as well as violation of fire safety rules.

Attention!

There are cases where the supply company has the right to suspend the gas supply without prior notice to the user.

These include reasons for which neither the consumer nor the supplier is responsible, but which can lead to unpleasant consequences:

• industrial accidents;
• natural disasters, emergency situations;
• accidents on the main pipe;
• detection of equipment that can lead to an accident.

Payment for the replacement of the gas meter.

Thus, the gas supply can be turned off without prior notice only in case of emergencies, when further consumption of the resource will lead to disastrous consequences and harm property and people's health.

Reasons for shutting off gas in an apartment building

Stopping the gas supply to the MKD causes a wave of indignation, therefore gas workers, as a rule, do not take spontaneous and unreasonable actions.

The most common causes of gas shutdowns are:

• violation of the operating conditions of gas distribution systems: unauthorized connection of additional equipment, unauthorized tie-in, use of gas units that do not meet the parameters, faulty equipment, and so on;
• the absence of a contract for emergency maintenance of gas equipment, for which they can not only turn off the gas, but also impose a fine;
• malfunction of chimneys and ventilation shafts;
• expiration of the standard service life of equipment;
• performance of repair work, including in case of emergencies, depressurization of the gas distribution system;
• indebtedness, incomplete payment of consumed volumes;
• scheduled preventive maintenance of the system.

Many consumers are interested in whether they can turn off the gas if the inspectors do not get into the apartment.Recently, this has also been possible - changes in legislation that came into force in the fall of 2020 allow this to be done if the supplier's representatives failed to get into the apartment in two visits. As a result, due to the lack of neighbors, problems will arise for all residents of the entrance.

Considering that inspections should take place at least once a year, such a reason for shutdown can become widespread. So far, debts, accidents and lack of contracts remain the most common grounds.

Termination of gas supply due to lack of a service contract

According to Decree No. 410, for the safe use of natural gas, each subscriber is obliged to conclude an agreement with a specialized organization for the maintenance of gas equipment.

An agreement can also be concluded by the MKD management company on the basis of the minutes of the general meeting of residents. In this case, the owner of each apartment does not need to sign an agreement.

The law allows you to impose sanctions on the owners for the lack of a contract. At first, this may be a fine of 1.5 thousand rubles. According to paragraphs. b) paragraph 80 of the Rules, approved. Government Decree No. 410, it is allowed to turn off the gas.

Representatives of the supplier do not do it right away - serious information work is being carried out with subscribers:

• home visit;
• door-to-door tour;
• warning residents;
• proposal to sign the contract on the spot.

If an agreement is not reached after this, extreme measures are taken.

Disconnecting gas for debts

Debt is one of the most common reasons why gas supply can be stopped.Whatever utility service we are talking about, payment arrears will definitely become the basis for disconnection. The only question is the timing of non-payment and the size of the debt.

If we are talking about gas, then the question arises at what debt the gas supply company will decide to turn off.

We find the answer in pp. c) paragraph 45 of the Rules, approved. Decree No. 549. According to this document, it is allowed to stop gas supply unilaterally in case of full or partial non-payment for the consumed gas for two months in a row.

If it is technically impossible to do this, all residents of the house can be left without gas. There are many cases when, due to the debts of one or two neighbors, gas was lost from all the inhabitants of the MKD.

Please note that these actions of gas workers are illegal. Conscientious payers cannot be deprived of gas for the debts of other subscribers

Shutting off the gas in case of an accident

An emergency situation threatens the life and health of residents, therefore, in the event of a threat of an accident, leakage or accident, in accordance with clause 77 of the Rules, approved. By Decree No. 410, the gas supply company is obliged to immediately stop the gas supply.

This happens in the following cases:

• disruption of ventilation and chimneys;
• lack of the required volume of air when using gas equipment;
• failure of devices designed to automatically turn off the gas in the event of a malfunction;
• the use of in-house equipment after the discovery of unrepaired leaks;
• use by residents of faulty equipment;
• unauthorized connection to the gas distribution system.

In such a situation, not only the apartment where the leak occurred, but the whole riser or even the whole house is turned off.Resumption of supply occurs only after the malfunction has been eliminated.

Shutdown rules and deadlines

If the tenants (owners) for some reason want to temporarily cut off the gas, for example, during construction, then such a shutdown will be free. Workers of the gas brigade will come and shut off the gas.

But, when the construction and other works are completed, the owners of the house will have to pay money for a new gas supply, regardless of the fact that they were connected earlier.

For example, in the case of unpaid two periods in a row, the gas is temporarily shut off, having warned the homeowners in advance and in advance (a notification letter is sent by mail).

After the tenants are aware, a partial disconnection of the service occurs if the provider has chosen just such a punishment for non-payers.

The notice must contain a specific schedule according to which the gas supplier will make the shutdown. The start of such a schedule is 20 days after notification of non-payers.

Complete shutdown of the gas supply service will take place 50 days after the date of the first warning. Also, a complete shutdown must again be accompanied by a written notice to the owners of the house.

If a partial shutdown of gas is an impossible procedure for one reason or another, then a complete shutdown can be earlier, namely after 23 days.

Attention! Gas cannot be shut off if this action can serve to create an emergency (regulated by Article 546 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation)

However, if the gas supply cannot be temporarily (partially) suspended for any reason, then the supplier has the right to turn off the gas completely.

How is the shutdown done?

The procedure is standardized, perfectly traced by the example of the appearance of debts and non-payment for the services received. When a debt appears, which grows for 2 months in a row, it involves sending a notification to the debtor, indicating the date, reasons for disconnection, as well as the amount.

After 20 days, a second notification is sent

Please note that this can be done later, but not before the minimum deadline. If there is no reaction from the owner, then a team is put forward to the place, which is engaged in the maintenance of gas supply systems

They perform technical actions that cut off the gas.

On site or one day after the procedure, the organization must notify the person that the shutdown has taken place. An act of completed work must also be submitted. For the reverse inclusion, it will be necessary to reimburse not only the amount of the debt, but also the cost of the disconnection. Without this, the gas supply will not be restored.

Connection after disconnection

The service is activated after repayment of the debt in full. The supplier will need to bring supporting documents or a letter of guarantee. Installment agreement is allowed. It will also be necessary to pay in full for the work of disconnecting and connecting gas supply.

How long will it take to connect back?

PP No. 549 stipulates a five-day period for the restoration of gas supply. Only business days count. Connection of other services is made faster - in 2 days.

Deadlines are provided for situations where the debt is paid in full or an agreement on gradual payments is signed.

Price

How much the work to restore the fuel supply will cost depends on the region.You can see the exact amount on the Internet, on the website of the supplier or supply organization.

The value of the cost depends on the cost of performing work on disconnecting and connecting the supply. Installation and connection of in-house appliances is paid separately.

How to do it?

The procedure for refusing gas supply consists of the following steps:

1. preparation of necessary documents;
2. filing an application;
3. contacting a service provider;
4. consideration of the application;
5. decision-making;
6. carrying out the necessary work;
7. execution of the act.

Where to apply?

In order to turn off the gas, you must contact the service provider, that is, the company with which the consumer entered into an agreement. You can apply in person, through a legal representative or by mail.

Required papers

In order to turn off the gas, the person concerned must prepare:

• the passport;
• contract for gas supply;
• a certificate of the place of registration, if the disconnection is related to living at a different address;
• permission from Rostekhnadzor on the use of electrical installations as an alternative source of energy;
• a document confirming the ownership of the apartment - a certificate or an extract from the USRN;
• certificate of absence of gas payment arrears.

Before turning off the gas supply in the apartment and transferring the housing to electricity, you need to obtain permission from the company managing the housing stock to which the MKD belongs. In addition, it is necessary to obtain the consent of all the owners of the apartment, if it is in common joint or shared ownership.

The consent of the residents of neighboring apartments is not required.

Drawing up an application for a temporary refusal

The application must be made regardless of the reasons and timing of the gas shutdown.This rule also applies to repairs. In this case, the application must indicate the following:

1. The name and address of the company to which the owner applies.
2. Information about the applicant - last name, first name, patronymic, passport details, place of residence, contact phone number.
3. The address of the apartment or house where you want to turn off the gas.
4. The reason for petition. In this case, it will be a repair.
5. The period for which it is necessary to turn off the gas.
6. List of attached documents.
7. Date and signature of the applicant.

If you do not live at the address permanently

The application for disconnection will be similar in its content due to the fact that the owner does not actually live in it. It will only be necessary to indicate that the applicant does not use the premises.

Timing

Legislative acts do not provide for clear deadlines for such cases. Only paragraph 52 states that the contract is terminated at any time, by agreement of the parties. Terms can be negotiated by the supplier and the consumer. They also depend on the internal rules of the company. In practice, the time for the provision of services consists of two stages - the study of documents and the execution of work.

• At the first stage of the procedure, all information is subjected to a detailed analysis for its reliability and completeness.
• At the second stage, the parties determine the date of the work. On the appointed day, the specialists of the gas company supplier perform the necessary actions.

On average, the shutdown period will take from 5 to 20 days.

What is the price?

Shutting off gas is a paid service, that is, it is provided on a paid basis. The amount of payment depends on the region of residence of the initiator and the price list of the contractor, valid on the day of the work and their complexity.On average, the amount will be from 1 to 6 thousand rubles.

On what grounds can they give a negative answer and what to do in such a situation?

A clear list of reasons why the applicant will be denied a gas cutoff is not approved by the current legislation.

An interested person may receive a negative answer in the following cases:

• Turning off the gas will violate the rights and legitimate interests of other residents who conscientiously fulfill their obligations to pay for gas (how to calculate the payment for gas by the meter in 2019?).
• Suspension of the service may endanger the life and health of others.
• Gas heating is the only source of heat. In this case, the conclusion of Rostekhnadzor is required that alternative heat sources, such as electrical appliances, cannot be used in the room.
• The applicant is not the owner of the property.
• The consent of other owners of shares in the property, as well as the management company of MKD, was not obtained.
• There is an outstanding debt for payment of utility bills.

These facts must be documented.

Consumer Violations

Suspension of gas supply is quite often due to unlawful actions of the consumer. As a rule, the gas is turned off:

• For non-payment. Termination of gas supply is allowed if payment from the subscriber has not been received for 2 consecutive months or on the date of disconnection, the amount of the resulting debt is more than the amount accrued for 2 months.
• For regular violation of the rules enshrined in the contract with the supplier.
• For creating obstacles for representatives of the supplying organization to obtain the information necessary to determine the actual volume of consumption.For example, a citizen does not let gas service workers into the house so that they record the meter readings.
• For the use of equipment that does not meet the requirements of the law, and also does not comply with the terms of the contract.

The reasons for shutting off gas can be established in an agreement between the supplier and the subscriber.

About types of debt

In communal structures, debt is classified according to periods of debt accumulation, namely:

• From two to four months - the situation is attributed to the dishonesty and indiscipline of the consumer, as well as the occurrence of temporary financial difficulties (often the debt is simply ignored, since this is unreasonable in terms of time costs);
• Non-payment for up to one year - a long-term delay, which is perceived as intentional (notices and warnings are actively sent, at this stage the gas is turned off);
• No payments for more than two years - utility companies classify them as unexpired, so they collect the amount through the courts.

Repair

Residents must be notified about the planned repair of a gas pipeline or equipment at a gas distribution station 20 days in advance by registered mail, which specifies the exact timing for stopping the gas supply. However, such situations are extremely rare, as gas workers try to monitor the condition of gas pipelines and carry out repairs without cutting off the fuel supply.

In total, a total shutdown of 4 hours per month is permissible - in this case, utility bills will be issued in full.But for each hour over the allowable time, the payment will be reduced by 0.15%.

If, nevertheless, the gas was turned off unexpectedly, then who to call?

1. To begin with - 04 - the emergency gas service will tell you if an emergency has occurred.
2. To the management company - there is a possibility that you missed the notice (children could simply pull it out of the box).
3. Resource provider (phone number is on the receipt).

Legal and not very gas shutdown for debts

The rules, conditions for disconnecting the gas supply to debtors are regulated by the GD. The bases are different:

• in case of non-payment of the provider's services in whole or in part for two months in a row;
• if meter readings are not transmitted;
• if the landlord does not open the door more than 2 times to employees of the service company conducting a scheduled inspection of the equipment;
• use of devices that are not included in the contract, do not meet safety requirements;
• expiration of the contract for the maintenance of gas appliances;
• expiration of the period of operation of meters, columns, plates.

It is forbidden to turn off gas from debtors when:

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• there is no other way to cook food, for example, the house is not connected to the electrical network;
• in cold weather if the house is heated by natural fuel.

What should be the amount and term of the debt

The government decided that it is possible to disconnect the debtor from gas if he does not pay his bills for more than 2 months in a row. The same applies to situations where payment for services occurs in installments. The amount doesn't matter.

Before applying the measure, the service organization is required to suspend the supply of resources, for example, by specifying the hours when the service will be provided. During this time, the defaulter is obliged to eliminate the debt.If a person ignores the warnings, he is completely cut off from the gas supply.

An exception to this rule is possible when there is no technical way to stop the fuel supply. Then the gas is turned off immediately.

Can they shut down in winter?

Public utilities can shut off the gas supply during the heating season, provided that the house or apartment is heated in a way that is not related to natural fuel, that is, stove, central water heating or other types are installed.

In other cases, resource termination is allowed. There are no exceptions here. Living in the apartment of the debtor with disabilities, the elderly, children will not be a reason to cancel the decision of the resource provider.

Whether or not to stop the supply of fuel to the houses, the service organization decides. This is a right, not a duty. Often the issue is resolved individually.

Can they give installments?

Public utilities warn debtors about their intention to cut off gas supply. Time is given to resolve the issue peacefully. To do this, you need to come to the management company serving the organization with which the contract has been concluded, and sign an agreement on paying the debt in installments.

Options for resolving the situation are different. The agreement must be strictly adhered to. Violation of the conditions will give the public utilities a reason to take action.