Ukrenergo explained why power is not being cut off in all regions

There is currently no overall shortage of generating capacity in Ukraine's power system, yet regular power outages continue in a number of regions. The reason is damage to power grids, which makes it impossible to deliver the available electricity to consumers in the required volumes.

This was reported on October 9 by the national energy company Ukrenergo, explaining the reasons for the power supply restrictions in effect since the beginning of the month.

The company noted that in some regions, during outages, electricity production from renewable sources even has to be curtailed. Meanwhile, in other regions, consumers remain without power despite the absence of a nationwide capacity shortage.

The main problem is not a lack of electricity, but the inability to transfer it between regions.

Ukrenergo named several reasons for the current situation.

First, Russian strikes caused significant damage to generating facilities in certain regions. As a result, these regions became dependent on electricity supplies from other parts of the country.

Electricity has to be transmitted over hundreds of kilometers via trunk grids that were not originally designed to operate under such loads and power flow directions.

Second, Russian forces changed their tactics for attacking energy infrastructure. Now a significant portion of strikes target substations and transmission lines that ensure the transportation and distribution of electricity.

As a result, in certain directions, transmitting the required volumes of electricity becomes difficult or impossible. Even if there is a surplus of capacity in other regions, it is not always possible to use it to cover local needs.

The third reason is constant air-raid alerts, which hamper restoration work. Power engineers are forced to interrupt equipment repairs due to the threat of repeated strikes.

The company emphasized that Russian forces have repeatedly attacked the sites of restoration work, creating an additional threat to personnel and equipment.

Ukrenergo also explained why Ukraine continues to export electricity despite ongoing outages.

Due to grid damage, some regions experience a shortage of electricity, while others have a surplus. If it is impossible to transmit additional volumes to domestic consumers, exports help avoid problems associated with capacity surplus.

Thus, simultaneous power outages in some regions and electricity exports from others do not mean that available capacity can be freely redistributed within the country.

Power engineers continue to restore damaged equipment and transmission lines. The company stated that it has the necessary experience, machinery, and equipment stocks to carry out repair work.

At the same time, consumers in regions with restrictions are urged to use electricity sparingly. Reducing the load on damaged grids will help shorten the duration of forced outages.