KIEV, March 23 – The Economy Ministry expects to increase the level of payments for provision of public utility services by consumers to 96% in 2010.

The plans are stipulated in a draft state program on the economic and social development of Ukraine for 2010 posted on the ministry's Web site.

In addition, the plan foresees measures aimed at increasing energy efficiency in the public utility services sphere through cutting energy consumption, a radical overhaul of public utility infrastructure and the introduction of energy saving technologies.