Ukraine’s energy system facing third day of deficit, requiring foreign assistance

For the past three days, Ukraine has been experiencing an electricity shortage. While there are no planned blackouts, residents are being urged to conserve energy by turning off non–essential electrical devices.

The Ministry of Energy reported this.

"Due to damage to generating equipment as a result of shelling in the front-line area and an increase in consumption in the energy system, a slight deficit of electricity is recorded (up to 1.4% of the daily consumption)," the message reads.

The Ministry of Energy noted that the TPP unit was also put into emergency short-term repair — it is planned to return to work within a day.

^{Photo: "Ukrenergo"}

Additional tools will be used to cover the deficit — hydro generation reserves and emergency imported electricity from neighboring countries.

On Saturday, December 9, it is planned to import electricity of up to 5,193 MWh. Export is not expected.

"The situation is under control. The power system is balanced. Currently, shutdown schedules are not applied or planned to be applied in any of the areas. However, it is important to reduce the load on the power system during peak hours of consumption (especially in the evening from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)," the Ministry of Energy emphasized.

For reference:

On August 12, the Ministry of Energy reported that planned repairs at energy facilities in Ukraine are proceeding according to schedule. Still, the worst situation with preparations for the new heating season is observed in regions bordering Russia and front-line territories.

On September 27, the chairman of the board of NPC Ukrenergo Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, said during the Forbes "Energy of Business" forum that protective structures are being erected around the Trypilska and Zmiivska TPPs, which are part of Centrenergo.

Also, on September 27, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that Ukraine is forming multi-level protection of energy facilities.

However, Ukrenergo is preparing for the worst-case scenario in winter and advises the population to purchase autonomous power sources whenever possible.

As the Minister of Energy of Ukraine, Herman Halushchenko, noted, in Ukraine, during massive Russian attacks, the occupiers can cause large-scale damage to the energy system, so blackouts are possible.

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine recorded that Russian intelligence is studying the state of Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Ukraine needs energy efficiency measures and renewal of critical infrastructure facilities. For this purpose, on November 28, the Government approved the concept of the program for the modernization of state-owned and communal enterprises producing thermal energy.