Russian attacks left five regions without power
Following new Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, power outages were reported in five regions of Ukraine at once. Some consumers in the Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kyiv regions were left without power, and utility workers have already begun restoring damaged power lines where the security situation allows.
On the morning of September 23, new power outages were reported in five regions of Ukraine due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. These regions are Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kyiv. “As a result of hostilities and attacks on energy infrastructure, there are new power outages as of this morning in the Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kyiv regions,” Ukrenergo reported.
Power company crews are already working to restore power. However, emergency repair work cannot be carried out everywhere. The company noted that specialists are repairing damaged facilities wherever safety conditions permit.
Power engineers are restoring damaged networks
Russian strikes on energy infrastructure can damage substations, power lines, and other equipment necessary for the stable operation of the power grid. After attacks, utility workers must first assess the damage and ensure that it is safe to work at the site. Only then can repair crews begin restoration work.
Therefore, in some areas, it may take longer for power to be restored. It all depends on the nature of the damage and the security situation. Ukrenergo has not reported the total number of consumers left without electricity as a result of the latest attacks.
Electricity consumption is rising
The situation in the power grid is affected not only by damage to the networks caused by shelling. According to Ukrenergo, as of 9:30 a.m. on September 23, electricity consumption was 1.2% higher than at the same time the previous day. The company cited the weather as one of the reasons.
Most regions of Ukraine are experiencing cloudy weather. As a result, residential solar power plants are generating less electricity. On sunny days, these plants can partially meet households’ electricity needs. When the sky is overcast, however, their output decreases. As a result, part of the demand is met by the general power grid.
Ukrainians Have Been Urged to Conserve Electricity
Due to a combination of damage to energy infrastructure and rising consumption, Ukrenergo has urged Ukrainians to use electricity sparingly. This applies especially to the period from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
During this time, people should avoid turning on several high-power electrical appliances at the same time whenever possible. The use of washing machines, water heaters, electric stoves, and other appliances can be shifted to hours when the load on the power grid is lower. Conserving energy does not mean completely giving up the use of electricity. The main point is to avoid creating an unnecessary load during peak consumption hours.
The situation may change
The energy situation in Ukraine remains dependent on the security situation. New Russian attacks could damage energy infrastructure, and repair work depends on the ability to safely reach the site of the damage.
At the same time, energy workers continue to restore power wherever possible. Ukrenergo urges consumers to use electricity sparingly throughout the day, especially from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The exact duration of power outages in individual communities depends on the nature of the damage and the work of emergency crews. This was reported by NEC “Ukrenergo.”
As a reminder, the Ukrainian Armed Forces struck the Russian “Kasta-2E2” radar station, which is estimated to be worth $60 million. Throughout September 20 and into the night of September 21, the Ukrainian military also struck other key enemy targets.
On September 21, the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck a Russian facility used for the storage, preparation, and launch of attack drones. The strike took place near the village of Tsymbulova in Russia’s Oryol Oblast.
