Electricity in Ukraine may rise in price again – Galushchenko
Against the backdrop of Russia’s powerful attacks on Ukraine’s energy system, the population needs to be prepared for possible price increases. This warning was issued by the head of the Ministry of Energy, Herman Galushchenko.
The minister does not hide the fact that the destruction caused by Russia’s attacks is indeed large-scale, both in the electricity sector and in power transmission.
The situation is complicated. We still don’t understand the extent of the damage, as many facilities are still in ruins and we can’t get to them.
Herman Galushchenko
Head of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine
Although the losses have not yet been officially calculated, it is already clear that they amount to billions of hryvnias.
The minister even suggested that the scale could reach billions of dollars.
According to the latest data, six gigawatts of electricity were affected by the Russian attacks, which is three times more than Ukraine planned to import from the West this winter.
DTEK also recently reported that 80% of its facilities were seriously damaged.
Price increases are still possible
According to Galushchenko, depending on the situation in July and August, his team will ask Ukrainians to save as much as possible.
Russians cannot cause a repeat of the 2022 and 2023 blackouts. Even in the event of huge losses, we will have a basic generation that covers 30% to 50% of our needs,” he explained.
That is why he does not rule out the scenario of raising the electricity tariff for households.
Right now, the Cabinet of Ministers is analyzing various options for financing the repair of its energy facilities.
“Today the situation is even more complicated than last year, as we have lost a lot of hydroelectric power and are forced to carry out scheduled repairs of nuclear units,” Galushchenko added.
