In the Chernihiv region, under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, a meeting of the headquarters on the preparation of housing, utilities, and energy sector facilities for the autumn-winter period was held. The session was attended by Vice Prime Minister for Ukraine’s Recovery – Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Kuleba, Minister of Energy of Ukraine Svitlana Grynchuk, representatives of energy companies, and regional military administrations.
Special attention during the meeting was given to the readiness of frontline regions for the heating season under various scenarios. As part of the working visit to Chernihiv, participants familiarized themselves with ongoing repair and restoration works following Russian attacks, efforts to strengthen protection, and the accumulation of reserves.
“Chernihiv’s energy infrastructure is systematically subjected to enemy attacks. In August and September alone, at least 24 attacks on regional substations were recorded. Energy workers operate around the clock to provide electricity and heat to Ukrainian homes under extremely challenging conditions,” Minister Grynchuk noted on her official Facebook page.
The headquarters also discussed the functioning of Ukraine’s Unified Energy System in case of any crisis. According to the Minister of Energy, Ukraine has a Recovery Plan for the Unified Energy System in the event of blackouts, as well as corresponding Regional Plans. All operational procedures of electricity producers and distribution system operators are being tested, including coordination with the State Emergency Service (DSNS) and regional military administrations.
The agenda also covered the development of distributed generation in the regions. “This is a tool that allows us to counter Russia’s plans to completely destroy Ukraine’s energy system. This year, 0.8 GW of new capacity has already been commissioned. We receive significant support from international partners, particularly through the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, which has already financed 1.5 GW worth over €647 million. These include both completed initiatives and projects that have just started,” Minister Grynchuk emphasized.
The Minister also highlighted the results of government support programs, including “Energy Independence for Households” and the “Affordable Loans 5-7-9” program for businesses.
“Under these initiatives, households have created an additional 22.8 MW of generation capacity worth over UAH 937 million, while private businesses have received loans totaling UAH 2.03 billion. We continue to communicate with international partners to attract additional resources,” she noted.
During the meeting, the headquarters outlined further actions to strengthen Ukraine’s energy system and ensure its stable operation this winter.
