Kyiv is being prepared for a possible heat cutoff: expert names conditions under which evacuation will begin
5 November 17:04
Kyiv will need to start evacuating the population if all thermal power plants in the city stop working and do not resume their work within three days at temperatures of -10°C and below. This opinion was expressed by the director of the Energy Research Center , Oleksandr Kharchenko, during a press conference “Autumn and Winter: Can We Count on Heat and Light in the Houses,” "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The expert emphasized that the enemy is intensifying attacks on Ukraine’s heating infrastructure, which significantly increases the risks to the stable operation of heating systems and poses large-scale threats to the lives and health of citizens.
In this context, local authorities should pay maximum attention to preparing for such challenges, in particular by developing a detailed and realistic plan to provide the population with heat in case of emergencies.
In particular, he drew attention to the seriousness of the situation in case of damage to the main thermal power plants (TPPs) in Kyiv in subzero temperatures. Mr. Kharchenko explained that if the heat supply cannot be restored within three days, urgent emergency measures will be required. These include promptly draining water from the heating systems of buildings to avoid pipe damage, as well as organizing the evacuation of residents from particularly dangerous areas. He emphasized that if the system at CHPP-5 or CHPP-6 stops functioning and its quick launch is not possible, it will potentially cause a man-made disaster on a regional scale.
Despite the fact that the situation with gas supply remains stable today – the amount of gas in storage facilities is sufficient and reserves are constantly being replenished – the biggest threat is targeted attacks on the heating infrastructure. The expert emphasized that cities that rely on district heating should develop backup solutions without delay. This will ensure at least the minimum required level of heating even in critical conditions.
Mr. Kharchenko emphasized the importance of clearly structured action plans for each neighborhood and even individual buildings in case of serious disruptions in the heating system. In particular, he drew attention to the need for prompt response and emergency measures to switch heating systems. Such actions are aimed at ensuring minimal heating in buildings to prevent them from freezing even in the absence of a central heat exchanger.
The expert recommended that local authorities expand the use of mobile boiler houses as a backup energy source. To put them to work as quickly as possible, special connection points should be equipped in each district. This will help ensure a stable supply of heat in a short time in case of emergency.
In addition, Kharchenko touched upon the issue of protecting the heating systems themselves. In the event of an emergency, it is necessary to have a mechanism to quickly drain water from building heating systems. This will prevent damage to pipes due to freezing water in them. He noted that launching an empty system is much easier and less costly than repairing already damaged equipment.
As a result, the expert called on local authorities to make it a top priority to create and implement specific action plans aimed at preventing emergencies due to attacks on heating infrastructure.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
Winter 2026: what are the chances of passing it with light and heat?
Former Minister of Fuel and Energy Ivan Plachkov explained that much depends on the intensity of the Russian Armed Forces’ strikes on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and the state of the air defense system.
If the strikes continue at the same pace, there may be problems with heat supply in large cities. We have prepared for an average winter, but if it turns out to be abnormally cold, the consequences could be serious,” Plachkov said.
At the same time, the expert expressed confidence that Ukraine will be able to get through the winter, albeit with some difficulties.
We will overcome everything, we will do everything, but we could do it more efficiently. The main thing is organizational issues. Quick decision-making and a professional approach will minimize the consequences for the population,” the expert said.
According to him, the absence of the post of First Deputy Prime Minister for Fuel and Energy Complex in the government creates problems with coordination and operational management of the industry. The main task in a crisis situation is to make quick and professional decisions.
It is necessary to plan, control, finance and execute – then the consequences will be minimal. Instead, today many initiatives remain at the project level, and real effective protection against attacks – in particular, through air defense and transformer modernization – is not being implemented in time,” Plachkov summarizes.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
