Power cuts may return next week
16 August 2024 12:15
Due to the next warming expected next week, Ukraine may reintroduce power outage schedules. Deputy Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk said this during a telethon, reports "Komersant Ukrainian"
“The weather is good for Ukrainians, but I cannot say the same about power engineers… Indeed, starting from the weekend and into the next week, a significant increase in temperature is planned. In some regions, it will be quite hot. And we predict a significant increase in electricity consumption… Indicators such as any additional damage as a result of the attacks, or even weather conditions – what we are seeing and will see next week – may lead to the power companies having to apply blackout schedules,”
– the official said.
She added that the energy sector will do everything possible to make these schedules invisible to consumers, even if they have to be introduced.
“The system is still sensitive. We are carrying out a repair campaign at all our power facilities and we plan to put additional capacities into operation very soon,” she added,
– she added.
The Deputy Minister called on everyone to be aware of the situation in the Ukrainian energy system and to conserve electricity.
The situation in the Ukrainian energy sector
on 29 March 2024, Russia resumed its attacks on the Ukrainian energy sector, carrying out the most massive shelling in the entire period of the full-scale war. In particular, DniproHES and other Ukrainian energy facilities were hit. Since then, Russia has been regularly shelling Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
For example, the Russians destroyed the Trypillia and Zmiiv thermal power plants, causing Centrenergo to lose 100% of its generation. Also, 5 of DTEK’s 6 thermal power plants were severely damaged.
After that, power outages started again in Ukraine, Ukrenergo introduced blackout schedules and the government raised electricity tariffs by 60% at once.
At the same time, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to build two new units at the Khmelnytsky NPP and has already received the approval of the relevant parliamentary committee. The Razumkov Centre has criticised these plans, but some experts believe that only traitors or scoundrels are against the construction of nuclear power plants today.
