Ukrainians have been warned about the risk of power outages
The strain on Ukraine’s power grid is rising again due to the heat. People are turning on household appliances en masse, while solar power plants are already generating less electricity. Power grid officials are urging Ukrainians to use electricity more sparingly, as the risk of shortages arises in the evening hours, to avoid having to impose mandatory restrictions.
The Ministry of Energy noted that the most challenging period for the power grid is between 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. It is in the evening that electricity consumption rises sharply. People return home and turn on air conditioners, washing machines, electric ovens, and other appliances. At the same time, solar power generation gradually decreases.
Therefore, Ukrainians are asked to avoid using high-power electrical appliances during this time unless absolutely necessary. “To avoid power outages and help the power grid get through this hot period, we ask that you use electricity sparingly,” energy officials told consumers.
What Ukrainians Are Advised to Do
The simplest rule is to shift the use of energy-intensive appliances from the evening to nighttime or the first half of the day. For example, it’s best to avoid doing laundry, using electric ovens, and other energy-intensive activities between 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. whenever possible.
Separately, the Ministry of Energy advises using air conditioners wisely. Avoid setting the temperature too low, as this increases electricity consumption and puts additional strain on the grid. Such simple changes in usage can help the system get through the evening peak without additional restrictions.
Ukraine is already preparing for possible power outages
The problem isn’t just the hot weather. The Ukrainian power grid has been operating under constant Russian attacks for over five years and has sustained significant damage. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal warned that in August, Ukrenergo may again implement power rationing schedules. One of the reasons is the extreme heat. Due to high temperatures, electricity consumption in Ukraine could increase by approximately 1 GW.
Another factor is scheduled maintenance at power generation facilities. To reduce the risk of widespread blackouts, the maintenance schedules for nuclear power plant units have already been adjusted. Available domestic capacity, including gas-fired and thermal power generation, is also being utilized.
Another way to support the grid is to increase electricity imports from the European Union. Authorities are also urging businesses to purchase imported electricity for their own needs whenever possible. At the same time, Ukrenergo is preparing for the possible implementation of power restriction schedules for industrial enterprises and businesses.
The heaviest load is expected during heat waves
Earlier, Volodymyr Omelchenko, director of energy programs at the Razumkov Center, warned that on the hottest days, when temperatures exceed +35 degrees, the situation in the power grid could become more complicated. According to him, due to a sharp increase in consumption, hourly or even emergency blackouts may be necessary.
These could involve outages lasting approximately two to four hours. However, such measures may not be necessary every day, but only on certain days when the load on the system is particularly high. Therefore, the main task for consumers right now is to avoid creating an excessive load during the evening peak.
Energy officials are urging Ukrainians to use high-power appliances at night or in the morning whenever possible. And between 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., they should conserve electricity. This does not mean that power outages will definitely occur. However, conserving energy will help reduce the load on the power grid and lower the risk of restrictions being imposed. This was reported by Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal.
