Autonomy instead of waiting: how Ukraine is restructuring its energy support during the war
4 February 14:48
More than 9,000 individual entrepreneurs have already applied for one-time state aid to ensure autonomous operation during emergency power outages. In addition, banks have received more than 270 applications for preferential loans to purchase generators.
This was reported by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Who is eligible for state assistance and what kind of assistance is available
According to Svyrydenko, this is an energy support program for sole proprietors in groups 2–3 who work in socially important areas.
Entrepreneurs can receive:
- a one-time payment of up to UAH 15,000;
- funds to ensure autonomous operation during power outages;
- Applications can be submitted via the “Dія” app.
Loans for generators: how the mechanism works
At the same time , a credit instrument is available under the “Affordable Loans 5-7-9” program . According to government data:
- more than 270 applications have already been submitted;
- loans are provided at 0% per annum;
- applications have been received by 14 banks;
- a total of 43 banks across the country will participate in the program.
The government expects that this will allow businesses to switch to autonomous power sources more quickly without a significant financial burden.
“SvitloDom”: a separate program for apartment buildings
Separately, the government has launched the SvitloDim program, aimed at supporting condominiums and apartment buildings.
Under this program, the state provides:
- from 100,000 to 300,000 UAH;
- for the purchase of generators and other energy equipment;
- to ensure the operation of key life support systems — heating, water supply, and elevators.
Svyrydenko emphasizes that “SvitloDom” can be combined with other energy modernization programs, in particular:
- 5–7–9 loans;
- installation of solar panels;
- batteries and hybrid inverters for energy storage.
Why is this happening right now?
The launch and scaling of the programs is taking place against the backdrop of a deteriorating situation in the energy sector.
As of the morning of February 4, due to hostilities and shelling of energy infrastructure:
- consumers in Donetsk, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Chernihiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions are without power;
- more than 1,100 apartment buildings in several districts of Kyiv are without heating.
This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following a conference call on the energy emergency.
The government has already allocated UAH 800 million for the first stage of financing the “SvitloDom” program. Applications for “SvitloDom” are now being accepted in the “Dія” app.
