Heating and hot water prices will increase in Lutsk starting December 1, as announced at a meeting of the "Lutsk European" press club by Lutsk Deputy Mayor Leonid KyryLCHUK. \n \nAccording to KyryLCHUK, the adoption of such a decision is related to the rising cost of energy resources, the increase in the minimum wage, and other factors. Utility workers are also anticipating this year's prices for Russian gas. Therefore, the existing tariffs introduced in 1999 do not reimburse the state enterprise "Lutskteplo" for the cost of services. In particular, the heating tariff covers only 89% of expenses, and water heating – 73%. Thus, Anatoliy Luchko, director of "Lutskteplo," forecasts losses for the enterprise in the amount of 2.5 million hryvnias. According to the draft of the new tariffs, they will be increased by approximately 30%. Payment for heating 1 square meter of area will increase from 1 hryvnia 72 kopecks to 2 hryvnias 44 kopecks, and heating a cubic meter of water will cost not 3.60 but 4 hryvnias 75 kopecks. According to KyryLCHUK, the change in tariffs will not affect the low-income population, as subsidies will be available for them. The resolution on increasing tariffs is soon planned to be submitted for public discussion. \n \nAs for the start of the heating season, according to specialists, it will begin on time in Lutsk on October 15. \n