Energy crisis in Kyiv: the government is deploying generators, mobile kitchens, and resilience centers
16 January 18:01
In response to the energy crisis, the Ukrainian government has introduced new measures for Kyiv. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced on January 16 the connection of additional power generators, the deployment of mobile kitchens, and the operation of “Resilience Centers” to support the capital’s residents during power and heating outages, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
On the left bank of Kyiv, 24 high-capacity power generators were connected, providing power to 17 transformer substations. This helps supply residential neighborhoods where power outages persist due to massive attacks on the energy infrastructure.
Mobile Kitchens and Resilience Centers
Starting January 16, 50 mobile kitchens began operating, providing hot meals in areas with limited access to power. The State Emergency Service is also deploying additional “Resilience Centers”—of which there are over 1,300 in Kyiv—so that residents can receive necessary services and support even during prolonged power outages.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that as of January 16, approximately 100 buildings in the capital remain without heating. According to him, emergency power outage schedules are in effect, and the power supply situation remains challenging.
New Government Initiatives
The government has simplified the procurement of equipment for cogeneration plants and is streamlining grid connections. Businesses in frontline areas can receive gas at a special price—19,000 hryvnias per cubic meter. State-owned companies, including Ukrzaliznytsia, Naftogaz, and the Ukrainian Defense Industry, must cover at least half of their own electricity consumption with imports, which will free up additional capacity for the grid.
Attacks on the Energy Sector
According to the SBU, since the start of the current heating season, the Russians have carried out 256 strikes on Ukraine’s energy sector, including 11 hydroelectric power plants and 45 of the largest combined heat and power plants. The most critical situation is observed in Kyiv and the Kyiv region.
Due to the emergency in the energy sector, the government has allowed for a relaxation of the curfew in areas with limited power supply so that residents can use “Points of Resilience” and move around the city by car without passes.
The headquarters for coordinating measures in Kyiv will operate continuously, and winter break in the capital’s schools may be extended until February 1, 2026.
