Government introduces emergency measures in energy sector

Ukraine's energy system has found itself in extremely difficult conditions due to intensive russian shelling and the most severe winter in the last 20 years; in connection with the emergency situation in the energy sector, the government is introducing a set of emergency measures to stabilize the situation and protect the population.

This was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukrainian News Agency reports.

To coordinate actions, First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal has been appointed head of the emergency response team.

Permanent headquarters have already been launched in Ukraine - a nationwide one, as well as separate ones for Kyiv and the Kyiv Region, which operate 24/7 and coordinate the work of energy professionals, utility services, the State Emergency Service, local authorities, and central executive bodies.

Curfew relaxation:

In regions where an emergency situation in the energy sector has been introduced, a relaxation of the curfew is allowed.

In particular, staying without passes on the streets and in public places, including shopping and entertainment centers that perform the functions of Invincibility Points and heating, as well as the movement of private transport, may be allowed.

Specific territories will be determined by the technogenic and environmental safety and emergencies commissions taking into account the situation on the ground, and control and public order will be ensured by the security and defense forces.

School holidays:

In the educational sphere, the government has adopted a decision to adjust the educational process.

In Kyiv, the Ministry of Education, together with the Kyiv City State Administration, should extend or introduce winter holidays in schools until February 1, 2026.

This decision does not apply to kindergartens, which will operate normally.

In other regions, the format of training will be determined by the Ministry of Education and Science together with regional military administrations depending on the security and energy situation - schools may switch to distance learning or also extend vacations.

Backup generation and connection:

In parallel, the government is working to increase electricity imports and create conditions for its operational increase for both state-owned companies and businesses.

It has also been instructed to simplify the connection of cogeneration units, modular boiler houses, gas turbine and gas piston units as much as possible for the development of distributed generation.

The National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Municipal Services (Energy Commission) has been recommended to shorten the terms and simplify the requirements for technical documentation and procedures for connecting to networks.

The government pays special attention to the work of Invincibility Points.

Currently, more than 10,000 such points are operating throughout the country, of which more than 1,200 are in Kyiv.

Additional facilities will be deployed throughout the day, and a reserve of 3,300 points will be activated.

During difficult weather conditions, they will be provided with food, and the state of provision with generators, fuel, communications, and consumables will be monitored daily.

Power supply of residential buildings in Kyiv and the Kyiv Region:

During the day, an analysis of the state of heat, electricity, gas, and water supply of residential buildings, in particular those that are completely dependent on electric heating, will be conducted here.

For residents of buildings in the most difficult situation, backup power sources, water transportation, and other forms of support are provided.

In addition, the government is working on the possibility of classifying buildings with electric heating as critical infrastructure facilities in order to ensure stable electricity supply and constant heating.

Rational electricity consumption:

A strict electricity saving regime is being introduced throughout the country.

Regional military administrations and the Kyiv City Military Administration must reduce consumption within 24 hours, in particular by limiting the outdoor lighting of buildings and territories, completely turning off the backlight of advertising structures, and minimizing street lighting to the level necessary only for safety.

The government, energy and all services continue to work around the clock.

Coordination and control over the implementation of all decisions is carried out by the Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal.

The 112 line is also open 24 hours a day to receive reports of the lack of heat, water, and electricity supply.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, the day before, the general director of the energy company Yasno Serhii Kovalenko urged Kyiv residents not to wait for an improvement in the electricity situation and to hope only for the establishment of warm weather.

Earlier Shmyhal announced the creation of a headquarters for the restoration of Kyiv's energy facilities.