BAKU - Apartment buildings where most customers repeatedly fail to pay their central-heating bills may not receive heat during the new season, potentially affecting residents who have no outstanding debt.
Azeristiliktechizat, Azerbaijan’s state heating provider, issued the warning in response to a request from Report, according to Vesti Baku. The company plans to provide centralized heating to about 178,000 apartments during the coming season.
The utility said widespread nonpayment prevents it from financing repairs and maintenance on time.
Only 17.5% of heating charges totaling 121,300 manats have been paid in the Aghjabadi district. The collection rate is 24.6% on charges of 255,200 manats in the Tartar district and 29.5% on 319,600 manats in the Barda district.
Payment rates stood at 33.4% in the Ramana settlement of Baku’s Sabunchu district, 41.6% in Sumgayit and 46% in the Goranboy district.
Why Customers Without Debt Could Be Affected
Heating infrastructure inside an apartment building is shared. If debt-related funding shortages delay repairs and system adjustments, service quality can deteriorate throughout the building, including in apartments whose owners paid their bills on time.
The heating season begins Nov. 15 in Baku and other areas served by the company. Azeristiliktechizat urged customers to clear overdue balances and pay current bills on time.