Russia continues its attacks on our energy sector. The energy system is sound, but there are still large deficits. This means that we can produce less electricity than we consume. In order to improve the situation, we are working from two sides. We are working to restore and expand production while reducing consumption
– Quoted from Hungarian Nemzet Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Smyhal.
The Prime Minister wrote that it is the duty of all authorities to reduce electricity consumption Interfax.ua.
– Today we accept the government’s decree in this regard. He added that ministries, central authorities and regional administrative bodies of the state should not use air conditioning equipment, as well as external lighting.
The government proposed that law enforcement, the judiciary and other government agencies take similar action, and that local authorities restrict public lighting. Companies are also encouraged to limit the use of air conditioners and other non-essential equipment for production activities.
As an exception, air conditioners are not only used in hospitals or when it is absolutely necessary. The Prime Minister also thanked everyone who consumes electricity responsibly.
Taras Melnychuk, representative of the Council of Ministers, informed ministries and other central bodies of executive power, as well as government institutions and organizations under its control, in a telegram.
There are different estimates of damage to Ukrainian energy facilities. A few days ago, Smyhal noted that Ukraine has lost approximately 9.2 gigawatts of power generation capacity so far, and repairing the damage will likely take years. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba previously said Russian strikes had destroyed half of the electricity grid, while former Infrastructure Minister Oleksiy Kucherenko claimed in late May that 90% of power generation capacity had been destroyed.
Cover image: Illustration (Photo: NurPhoto/AFP/Matt Hunt)
