Ukraine faces electricity shortages due to cold weather, says grid operator

Ukraine is suffering from electricity shortages, the operator of the Ukrainian power grid, Ukrenergo, said today, according to Reuters. Ukrenergo said the deficit in the energy system was caused by cold weather driving up consumption, while the energy ministry said today's Russian shelling of a Ukrainian thermal power plant near the front line also contributed to the shortfall. Supplies from the European Union will make up the deficit.

Freezing weather pushed electricity consumption 2.7 percent above the forecast level. Supplies from Poland, Slovakia and Romania are currently filling the shortfall. Electricity from these countries flowed to Ukraine as emergency assistance from 10:00 to 18:00 CET today, according to the company Ukrenergo.

The European Union and Ukraine connected their electricity grids on 16 March last year in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began in late February of the same year. The grid connection enables Ukraine to receive energy from Europe in an emergency.

According to the energy ministry, today's electricity shortage on the grid was also caused by Russian shelling that knocked two units at one of Ukraine's thermal power plants out of operation. The ministry did not say which plant was affected, stating only that it was a facility near the front line.

The ministry and Ukrenergo urged Ukrainians to use electricity prudently. Their recommendations include avoiding the simultaneous use of several high-consumption appliances, such as a washing machine, iron and water heater, and not turning on an electric kettle and microwave at the same time around lunchtime.