Energy crisis in Kyiv: government deploys generators, mobile kitchens, and resilience centers
16 January 18:01
In response to the energy emergency, the Ukrainian government has introduced new measures for Kyiv. On January 16, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced the connection of additional power generators, the deployment of mobile kitchens, and the operation of “points of invincibility” to support the capital’s residents during power and heating outages, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Generators and power supply to residential areas
On the left bank of Kyiv, 24 high-power electric generators were connected, providing energy to 17 transformer substations. This helps to power residential areas where power outages continue due to massive attacks on energy infrastructure.
Mobile kitchens and resilience centers
On January 16, 50 mobile kitchens began operating, providing hot meals in areas with limited access to power supplies. The State Emergency Service is also deploying additional “resilience centers,” of which there are more than 1,300 in Kyiv, so that residents can receive the necessary services and support even during prolonged power outages.
Situation in the city
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that as of January 16, about 100 buildings in the capital remain without heating. According to him, emergency power outage schedules are in effect, and the situation with electricity supply remains difficult.
New government initiatives
The government has simplified the procurement of equipment for cogeneration plants and is simplifying the connection to the grid. Businesses in frontline areas can receive gas at a special price of 19,000 hryvnia per cubic meter. State-owned companies, including Ukrzaliznytsia, Naftogaz, and Ukrainian Defense Industry, must ensure that at least half of their electricity consumption comes from imports, which will free up additional capacity in the grid.
Attacks on the energy sector
According to the Security Service of Ukraine, since the beginning of the current heating season, the Russians have carried out 256 strikes on the Ukrainian energy sector, including 11 hydroelectric power plants and 45 of the largest thermal power plants. The most difficult situation is observed in Kyiv and the Kyiv region.
Due to the emergency situation in the energy sector, the government has allowed the curfew to be relaxed in areas with limited energy supplies so that residents can use “points of invincibility” and travel around the city by car without passes.
The headquarters for coordinating measures in Kyiv will operate continuously, and winter holidays in the capital’s schools may be extended until February 1, 2026.
