Gas stove replacement costs leave pensioner facing two stoves

Replacing a gas stove and connecting it to the gas line can cost more than many low-income residents can afford, LSM’s 4th Studio reported. Customers can use the gas company GASO or find another certified technician, but pensioners are not offered discounts.

Dzidra Sokola recently received a new cooker. However, the cost of connecting it was so high that she has continued living in her small apartment with two stoves.

“I called GASO. They said they would disconnect the old one and connect the new one, but it would cost 51 euros. I asked why it was 51 euros when the gas line only had to be moved from one stove to another, 50 centimetres away. They said that was the price list,” Sokola said.

GASO said its website publishes an approved price list that customers can review before ordering a service. The company said disconnecting a gas appliance is free, but connecting a new one costs more than 51 euros.

“The 51 euros corresponds to the cost of restoring the gas supply, while replacing the equipment costs 65.35 euros including VAT, according to the price list. The customer was informed of these costs,” said Matīss Vilsons, head of GASO’s internal gas systems service.

GASO confirmed that residents may look for other certified technicians to replace gas stoves and could potentially find a lower price. Consumer protection officials said the service market is open to competition.