How many hours will we be without electricity in February: an expert gives figures (video)
12 February 15:27
In late February and early March, Ukrainians will face power outages lasting up to 8 hours a day. This forecast was made by Volodymyr Omelchenko, director of energy programs at the Razumkov Center, for the Times of Ukraine, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The expert emphasized that Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is seriously damaged. This includes the gas infrastructure, so it is almost impossible to predict all the risks.
“Before the end of the heating season, the risk of returning to hourly outages is quite high. If this happens, we will be talking about one or two queues. That is, the power will be cut off for a maximum of 4-8 hours on some days. This is not the worst option,” Omelchenko said.
However, according to the Director of Energy Programs at the Razumkov Center, the worst and most difficult period is ahead for the country.
“The worst will be in late February and mid-March. According to the forecast, in February we see severe frosts. In addition, we have critically low levels of natural gas in underground storage facilities. These factors will be crucial. There is absolutely no need to relax,” summarized Volodymyr Omelchenko.
What is the current energy situation in Ukraine?
In 2025, the energy situation in Ukraine will remain challenging due to the consequences of Russian aggression, damage to energy facilities and the need to restore infrastructure.
After losing control over Zaporizhzhia NPP, Ukraine is facing electricity shortages. In February 2025, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved the purchase of two Soviet-made reactors for the Khmelnytsky NPP in Bulgaria. These reactors are expected to be commissioned in the next two to three years, which should help minimize energy shortages caused by attacks on infrastructure by Russia.
Electricity restrictions and blackouts
In early 2025, Ukraine continued to face the need to impose temporary restrictions on the supply of electricity to industrial enterprises. Thus, starting from February 10, 2025, Ukrenergo imposed such restrictions from 06:00 to 21:00 due to damage to energy infrastructure facilities. However, no outages were expected for household consumers.
on February 11, 2025, emergency power outages were introduced across Ukraine in response to massive missile attacks by Russia. The blackouts were lifted as soon as the air threat was eliminated and the situation in the power system stabilized.
Electricity tariffs
Starting February 1, 2025, most household consumers continued to pay for electricity at a tariff of UAH 4.32 per kilowatt-hour, which will remain in effect until the end of April. For households that use electric heating, the tariff from October 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025, is UAH 2.64/kWh, provided that they consume up to 2000 kWh per month. Also, starting from January 1, 2025, the government has expanded the range of citizens eligible for preferential tariffs for the heating season.
Electricity shortage
According to the National Bank of Ukraine, the electricity deficit in the country in 2025 will continue to remain at 4%, including imports.
