Bad weather cuts power supply to 60 populated localities, emergency assistance provided - Ukrenergo

MOSCOW. April 22 (Interfax) - Bad weather cut power supply to over 60 populated localities in the Kirovograd, Poltava, Sumy and Chernigov regions and the Kiev-held part of the Zaporozhye region in Ukraine on Monday morning, Ukrainian media said, citing the Ukrenergo electricity transmission system operator.

A power outage in 414 populated localities had different causes, media said, adding, "Power consumption kept growing due to colder weather." "As of 9:30 a.m. today, power consumption was 4.7% higher than at the same time on Friday, April 19. The evening peak of April 21 surpassed the peak of the previous Sunday, April 14, by almost 6%," Ukrenergo said.

According to the company, the power grid will have a shortage throughout April 22, as damaged power plants are unable to generate enough electricity for the growing consumption.

"All through the day, the dispatch center will seek emergency assistance from power grids of European countries. We are asking all clients to save electricity and urging industrial enterprises to use imported electricity to the fullest, in addition to alternative power sources if available," Ukrenergo said.

Breakdown maintenance began at a thermal power plant unit and continued at some others over the past day. Nuclear power plants are undergoing scheduled maintenance.

On April 22, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and Moldova will supply 7,858MW/h of electricity with the maximum supply of 1,020MW in certain hours. No exports are planned.