20-degree frosts in Ukraine: will power outage schedules be tightened?
7 January 13:11
The expected cold snap of -23 degrees is not in itself a critical factor for Ukraine’s power system. The main threat to stable power supply remains Russian shelling of the energy sector.
This was stated by Vitaliy Zaichenko, Chairman of the Board of NPC Ukrenergo, in a commentary to RBC-Ukraine, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Frost is not the key problem
According to Zaichenko, a drop in temperature traditionally leads to an increase in electricity consumption, but frost itself does not pose a major threat to the power system.
“A drop in temperature always leads to an increase in electricity consumption, it is natural. But it is not the frost, but the Russian shelling that is the main problem for us now,” he emphasized.
The CEO of Ukrenergo explained that weather conditions are predictable, and even in the current difficult situation, the power system can be prepared to operate in severe cold.
The power system was ready for winter, but the situation changed due to the shelling
Zaichenko noted that as of early October, Ukraine’s power system was fully prepared for the winter, both in terms of generation and transmission system operation.
At the same time, a series of massive Russian missile and drone attacks over the past year significantly worsened the situation.
As explained by the head of Ukrenergo, it was Russian energy terror that forced the introduction of forced power supply restrictions.
Will outage schedules be tightened during severe frosts
According to Ukrenergo’s forecast, if the air temperature drops to around -20 degrees for several days, restrictions may be tightened to stabilize the power system.
“In order to balance and ensure the trouble-free operation of the power system, we will have to slightly toughen the restrictions. Approximately, it will be one more line to the hourly outage schedules,” said Zaichenko.
He emphasized that this is only a forecast of the impact of weather factors.
The consequences of the shelling are impossible to predict
The CEO of Ukrenergo emphasized that the biggest risk is possible Russian strikes on the energy infrastructure, especially against the backdrop of severe frosts.
“It is simply impossible to predict the consequences of Russian strikes before or during a significant cold snap,” Zaichenko said.
Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy sector
As a reminder, Russian troops have been systematically attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, striking facilities in different regions of the country – from east to west and from north to south.
