Atomic discount for the system: Energoatom sold electricity to Ukrenergo for almost half the market price for the first time
9 January 16:10
On January 7, 2026 , NAEK Energoatom held its first special auction for the sale of electricity for the needs of NEC Ukrenergo. This refers to the electricity needed by the system operator to compensate for technological losses in the grid.
As a result of the auction, Ukrenergo contracted 400 MW of base load for the period from January 9 to 31.
This was reported by Interfax-Ukraine , citing a source in the Ministry of Energy, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
At what price was the electricity sold?
The price of electricity at the special auction was 3,613 UAH per MWh. This is almost half the weighted average price of Energoatom’s sales on the free market in the second half of January 2026 — 6,573 UAH per MWh.
The Ministry of Energy has calculated that under these conditions, Energoatom’s loss of income compared to market prices amounts to about UAH 332.6 million including VAT for the second ten days of January alone.
Why was this done?
The Ministry of Energy explains: Energoatom is effectively taking on an additional financial burden by acting as a donor of stability to the energy system.
In essence, this is a new mechanism of special obligations (SO). Whereas previously SOs were primarily aimed at restraining tariffs for the population, this time they extend to the industrial segment — through cheaper electricity for the system operator.
How the mechanism will work going forward
According to the new rules:
- Energoatom will sell electricity for Ukrenergo’s needs through special auction sessions;
- a 30% discount on the weighted average market price will be applied;
- such sales will be conducted monthly during the period of martial law.
This should help Ukrenergo cover balancing costs and network losses without a sharp increase in tariff pressure on the economy.
Earlier, the government had already announced that Ukrenergo would be granted the right to purchase electricity from Energoatom through special auctions under bilateral agreements. The first such auction effectively launched a new model of redistribution of funds within the energy system.
Against the backdrop of war damage to energy infrastructure and chronic resource shortages, the state is increasingly relying on state-owned producers as a tool to maintain stability — even at the cost of their own financial losses.
