Ukrenergo: The worst-case scenario is a blackout, but we are better prepared than in 2022
Vitaliy Zaichenko. Photo: Facebook

The worst-case scenario for the power system under Russian shelling is a blackout, which Ukraine already experienced in the fall of 2022. However, NEC "Ukrenergo" is much better prepared for such a development now, said the company's chairman. Vitaliy Zaichenko. About this reports Interfax-Ukraine.

"We have already been through the worst-case scenario and we know what it is. The aggressor's goal is to completely de-energize the power system, to bring it to a blackout. This happened in 2022, but back then we coped quite quickly, although, of course, no one was prepared for such massive attacks. At the moment, Russia's goal is the same – to leave Ukraine without electricity and water, but we are more prepared. Both Ukrenergo and the power plants," said Zaichenko.

He explained that there is currently engineering protection, air defense, and well-rehearsed special actions by personnel. This allows for the preventive prevention of the power system's loss of stability and primarily preserves it, and only then provides for consumers.

Zaichenko also explained the recent decrease in power outages by the high rate of restoration and the availability of necessary backup equipment.

"The fact that there are fewer outages now is not a miracle, but the selfless work of energy workers. It's a huge plus that, thanks to our partners, a lot of equipment has been accumulated in warehouses, which allows us to quickly repair damage," said the head of Ukrenergo.

He called the situation with the energy supply in the frontline and border regions with Russia – Sumy, Poltava, Kharkiv, and Donetsk – the most difficult.

"These regions suffer the most from Russian strikes because they are targeted not only by missiles and Shaheds, but also by other fairly fast means. The conditions in which repair crews work in these regions are the most difficult," Zaichenko noted.

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