The Power Limitation Schedule (PLS) sets the maximum level of electricity consumption for industrial consumers and businesses during periods of insufficient generation capacity in the power system.
- It applies exclusively to industrial consumers and businesses and does not typically affect household consumers. The measure involves temporary reduction of consumption rather than a complete disconnection.
- The schedule is introduced to reduce the load on the power system until the situation stabilizes. The decision to implement PLS is made by NPC “Ukrenergo” and is mandatory for distribution system operators.
- The reason for introducing such schedules is damage to energy infrastructure or an imbalance between electricity generation and consumption leading to a shortage in the system.
- The purpose of the power limitation schedule is to decrease the load on the Unified Power System (UPS) of Ukraine by temporarily reducing electricity consumption by industrial enterprises.
For household consumers, Emergency Outage Schedules (EOS) or Hourly Outage Schedules (HOS) may be introduced instead. EOS are applied in cases of unexpected emergency capacity shortages in the power system (e.g., due to shelling or technical failures).
Difference between PLS and EOS:
The Power Limitation Schedule is a planned and preventive measure, whereas Emergency Outages are sudden and implemented in critical situations.
Reference:
Power Limitation Schedules are prepared annually by distribution system operators as a preventive measure in case of disruptions in the operation of the Unified Power System of Ukraine. They are coordinated with the State Energy Supervision Inspectorate and regional military administrations.
The schedules are valid from October 1 of the current year to October 1 of the following year.
