There will be more light: thanks to imports, the government has reduced power cuts by 1-1.5 stages
13 February 13:11
Thanks to higher price caps in the spot segments of the electricity market, Ukraine has increased its electricity imports, which has reduced power cuts by 1-1.5 times.
This was reported by Ukrinform, citing a statement by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal, according to Komersant.
How imports helped reduce problems in the energy sector
Thanks to higher price caps on the spot segments of the electricity market, Ukraine was able to increase electricity imports, which helped reduce power outages by 1-1.5 tiers.
Shmyhal noted that after the NEURC’s decision, the volume of imported electricity increased significantly. According to him, this made it possible to obtain an additional 1 GW of capacity, which helped improve the energy balance for Ukrainian businesses and freed up electricity for the population. As a result, it was possible to reduce the number of power outages for citizens by 1-1.5 times.
The minister also explained that the increase in price restrictions was due to rising electricity prices on European markets. According to him, the previous price caps did not allow for an increase in electricity imports under such conditions.
It should be noted that on February 8, Ukraine recorded the largest daily volume of electricity imports, which helped to maintain the system after massive attacks by the Russian Federation and reduce the electricity deficit.
It should be added that the electricity deficit in Ukraine in recent days has been 4.3–4.5 GW, which is significantly less than during the period of severe frosts, when it reached 5–6 GW at a peak consumption of 18 GW.
Shelling of Ukraine on February 12
On the night of February 12, the Russian army launched a new combined strike on several regions of Ukraine. The Russians’ main target was the energy sector. In Kyiv, thousands of homes were again left without electricity and heat.
Russian troops also struck one of the energy facilities in Odesa. There are interruptions in electricity and water supply. Energy workers are working on site to repair the damaged equipment.
The Air Force reported that it had destroyed 15 of 24 ballistic missiles and 197 of 219 drones. It also shot down the only X-59 guided missile that was launched.
