Ukraine is once again preparing for a harsh winter during the heating season of 2024-2025 – this will be the second winter in which prolonged power outages are possible.
According to forecasts, some consumers may experience power loss for up to 20 hours a day.
Alexander Kharchenko, Director of the Energy Industry Research Center and advisor to the government on energy matters, emphasizes that the electricity deficit makes the winter particularly challenging.
Unexpected cold spells and damage to Ukraine's nuclear energy infrastructure, including the aftermath of previous attacks, may lead to frequent power outages.
"Firstly, if the temperature drops below 10 degrees, it poses a serious challenge for our energy system. Secondly, this will immediately affect the reserves of natural resources. At the same time, all our maneuvering electricity is powered by gas," says Oleg Popenko, Chairman of the Housing and Utilities Committee.
In the event of large-scale attacks from Russia aimed at destroying power lines and key energy facilities, power outages could last for up to 20 hours a day.
Energy expert Gennady Ryabtsev specified that such prolonged outages are possible, but not in all regions. This is particularly relevant for Kharkiv, especially in the case of extended shelling, particularly of critical infrastructure facilities.
"If we analyze the current real situation with the energy system in the country, and also consider the moment when the temperature will be sufficiently low, it is quite possible that energy consumption restrictions will be introduced in Ukraine, lasting up to two rounds of outages or up to three rounds if the temperature drops below minus 10 degrees. This would imply 8 hours without power," predicts Gennady Ryabtsev.
Source: 24Kanal.