The risk of prolonged power outages remains. In such circumstances, energy autonomy becomes critically important. This applies not only to private homes and businesses, but also to multi-apartment buildings.
The state program “SvitloDIM” was created specifically for homeowners associations, property managers, cooperatives, and management companies. Its goal is to help purchase equipment for autonomous building power supply. Elevators, heating, water supply, and household appliances in apartments will keep working — all critical systems will keep running even during prolonged power outages.
Who can take advantage of the program, what equipment qualifies for funding, and how to properly prepare your application? Read on to find out.
What is the “SvitloDIM” program?
“SvitloDIM” is a state program supporting multi-apartment buildings. It partially covers the cost of purchasing equipment for backup and autonomous power supply.
The amount of support ranges from 100,000 to 300,000 hryvnias, depending on the building’s characteristics, including the number of floors and entrances.
Funds received under the program can be used to purchase:
- generators;
- inverters;
- batteries;
- high-voltage battery control units;
- solar panels.
The program’s main goal is to ensure uninterrupted operation of:
- pumping equipment;
- water supply systems;
- heating;
- elevators;
- emergency lighting;
- common areas;
- intercom systems.
Who can apply?
The application is submitted on behalf of all residents of the multi-apartment building.
The following can submit the application directly:
- homeowners associations (OSBB);
- managers of multi-apartment buildings;
- housing construction, housing, and service cooperatives.
The applicant is the head of the organization or an authorized representative whose information is listed in the Unified State Register.
Applications are submitted electronically through the “Diia” portal, where most data is verified automatically. However, missing documents or errors in the information may lead to delays or rejection of the request. We therefore recommend preparing in advance and double-checking all data and current documents to avoid unnecessary difficulties.
Steps for applying to the “SvitloDIM” program
1. Check your authority and electronic signature
Before submitting your documents, make sure that:
- the head or authorized representative is listed in the Unified State Register;
- the organization has a valid qualified electronic signature (QES) or an advanced electronic signature.
Without an electronic signature, it will be impossible to submit and sign the application.
2. Open a special bank account
To participate in the program, you need to open a separate current account with a special usage regime. This can be opened at JSC “Oschadbank” or other partner banks that join the program.
It’s important to remember that if one organization manages several buildings, a separate account must be opened and a separate application submitted for each one.
3. Prepare a decision on equipment purchase
The basis for receiving assistance is an official decision to purchase equipment with state funding.
For homeowners associations, a decision by the board or general meeting is required. For property managers — a decision of the co-owners’ meeting (unless the relevant authority is provided for in the management agreement). For cooperatives — a decision of the governing body or general meeting.
All documents are submitted as scanned copies or high-quality photographs.
4. Prepare information about the building
The following technical details of the building will be needed to complete the application:
- exact address;
- number of floors;
- number of entrances;
- total area;
- number of apartments;
- number of co-owners;
- information on whether a boiler room is present.
You will also need to prepare the building’s technical passport or a certificate from the local government confirming the number of floors.
5. Decide on the equipment
The program allows you to purchase equipment that will ensure the building’s energy independence, namely:
- inverters and batteries (power elevators, pumps, lighting, and other critical loads).
- solar panels (as a source of backup power and partial savings)
- generators (connected to the system when solar energy is insufficient)
Next, you need to choose an equipment supplier. If a contract with them has already been signed, you’ll need to prepare:
- the contract number and date;
- supplier details;
- list of equipment;
- its cost;
- delivery timelines.
6. Indicate existing equipment
This is needed to build an accurate picture of the building’s power supply and correctly determine the need for additional equipment.
If generators, solar panels, batteries, or inverters were previously installed in the building, this information must be indicated in the application.
7. Check your contact information
Even minor errors in general information can negatively affect the review process. Before submitting your application, double-check:
- phone number;
- email address;
- the legal entity’s details in the Unified State Register;
- the full name of the person submitting the application.
This will help you avoid delays in the review process, or even cancellation of your application.
8. Review the participant’s obligations
By receiving state assistance, the applicant automatically takes on certain obligations:
- use the funds strictly for their intended purpose;
- purchase the equipment within 45 days of receiving funding;
- ensure its proper installation in accordance with safety requirements;
- submit a report on the use of funds through the “Diia” portal within 30 business days after installation;
- return the funds within 45 calendar days if project implementation is not possible.
What equipment is most often chosen for
multi-apartment buildings?
Today, the most popular option is a comprehensive solution that combines:
- an inverter;
- an energy storage system (batteries);
- solar panels (if installation is possible).
Such systems ensure the operation of elevators, water supply pumps, heating, and lighting in entrances and the surrounding grounds.
Ecotech Ko is an expert in solar power plant equipment. We’ll select the optimal solution for your energy needs, provide an accurate cost calculation, and plan your annual savings or the system’s full payback period.
We deliver turnkey projects, including delivery and installation throughout Kyiv and the surrounding region. We’ll help you through every step on the path to complete energy independence.