The power grid is under strain: why the lights suddenly went out in Kyiv outside of scheduled outages
12 January 15:17
Emergency power outages have been implemented in Kyiv at the direction of NPC “Ukrenergo.” DTEK reported this, noting that hourly schedules do not apply under these conditions, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Energy officials explain that emergency blackouts are implemented in the event of a sharp power shortage or a threat to the stability of the power grid. DTEK has promised to promptly inform consumers of any changes.
What is known
As early as the morning of January 12, the Ministry of Energy stated that Kyiv was gradually transitioning from emergency restrictions to predictable hourly schedules. However, the situation in the power grid has become complicated again—following new damage to infrastructure caused by Russian attacks.
In particular, according to Chernihivoblenergo JSC, shelling damaged a critical power facility in the Novhorod-Siverskyi district of Chernihiv Oblast. As a result, a number of settlements were left without power.
“An important power facility was damaged as a result of Russian shelling. A number of settlements are without power,” the company’s statement reads.
Odesa: Power Outages and Destruction
Meanwhile, reports of the consequences of the nighttime attack are also coming in from Odesa. According to Serhiy Lysak, head of the Odesa City Military Administration, infrastructure facilities and residential buildings in the city have been damaged.
Parts of the Peresypsky district are temporarily without power. Emergency crews are working to restore the power grid. Meanwhile, heating, water supply, and sewage systems are operating normally.
An emergency response headquarters has been set up at the site of the strike. Residents are being advised on how to receive compensation through the “e-Restoration” program and from the city budget. A warming center has also been opened, and utility workers are repairing broken windows.
On the night of January 11, an infrastructure facility was damaged in the Odesa district, leaving part of one of the districts without power. At the time, two casualties and significant damage to residential buildings were reported—one private home was completely destroyed, and several others were damaged.
Ukrenergo and energy companies are urging residents to follow official announcements and be prepared for changes in the power supply schedule.
