Recently, for the first time in more than two months, businesses’ light consumption has been limited. Expert Gennady Ryabtsev said that there is now balance in the system, but it is a bit shaky.
On November 13, for the first time in the last two months, restrictions were imposed on electricity supply only for business and industry in Ukraine. RBC-Ukraine found out on November 15 why such a need arose and whether it leads to power outages for consumers.
Do restrictions lead to disruptions?
The last lockdown programs in Ukraine were implemented on September 12. more than two months ago. light in the last days started shutting down preventively – if there is a danger of missile attack during air strikes. It is not necessary to reduce the consequences of equipment in the event of a crash.
On 13 November supplies were limited to business and industry, but this was not due to bombardment. Ukrenergo announced a temporary reduction in maneuver production capacity and a significant reduction in import volumes. Sources explained that thermal production facilities are needed carry out emergency repairsThe reason is not directly related to the attack of the Russian Armed Forces. At the same time, electricity imports and solar energy production dropped to a minimum.
Already in the evening the restrictions were lifted. However, there is a high probability that the situation will reoccur. The fact is that currently consumption in Ukraine practically corresponds to the level of production. So any failure can be felt by consumers.
“There is now a balance in the system; the more they produce, the more they consume. But this balance is compensated by the lack of sufficient heat production for some reason. solar or import. You can no longer rely on the sun, which means the main compensator is imports,” said Gennady Ryabtsev, director of the Psyche center.
The Ministry of Energy appealed not to panic and assured that it was too early to talk about a new wave of outages. Minister German Galushchenko stated that the production facilities restored after the massive bombardment could be damaged, and this is exactly what happened. According to him, imports were as follows: about 6% from potential – 100 MW.
Importing won’t save you from shutdowns
Problems or “observations” at power facilities have occurred on more than one occasion. In September, they caused a decrease in production at one of the units of the Southern Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plant. According to sources, production decreased again at the end of October, but the deficit was covered by urgent imports.
Imports will no longer be a salvation. There’s something for this two reasons:
- Europe is also cooling down and consumption is increasing;
- The price of light in Ukraine is lower than in Europe due to the price ceiling.
According to Ryabtsev, without increasing or completely removing price limits, imports are unlikely to increase significantly, and the increase in production will also have no effect. Since December, the electricity import limit to Ukraine has been increased from 1.7 GW to 2.1 GW, but these opportunities cannot be used due to low prices.
“Businesses expect to be supplied with electricity in Ukraine under all circumstances, but there may be days when electricity is not included in their balance sheets, as was the case on November 13.” emphasized the expert.
According to media reports, at one of the major power plants There were “comments” the other dayto eliminate the need to slightly reduce production. The study is planned to be carried out in a way that minimizes the consequences for consumers.
However, it is reported that there is no reason to expect serious problems in electricity supply yet. Of course, if the energy system facilities are not seriously damaged as a result of the bombardment.
Government sources and experts are confident that light frosts will pass without shock in Ukraine. According to the estimate of Alexander Kharchenko, director of the Energy Research Center, up to -5 degrees Ukrainians will be able to transit without significant closures.
“These will almost certainly be needed in the future, but they will be predictable on schedule,” he added.
Let us remind you that Alexander Kharchenko, Director of the Energy Research Center, named the regions most vulnerable to power outages.
Yuriy Korolchuk, co-founder of the Institute of Energy Strategies, explained under what conditions a serious power outage is possible in Ukraine.
Source: Focus
John Holton is a seasoned author and journalist, known for his expertise in economics. He currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker, where he provides readers with in-depth analysis and commentary on the latest economic developments. With a background in finance and a talent for explaining complex economic concepts in a clear and accessible way, John’s writing is a must-read for anyone interested in staying informed about the economy.