Ukrenergo declares state of emergency in energy system of Ukraine because of drop in energy consumption

MOSCOW. Dec 16 (Interfax) - The United Energy System (IPS) of Ukraine on Friday reduced electricity consumption by more than 50%, Ukrainian media said, citing the statement of system operator Ukrenergo.

According to the transmission system code, a loss of more than 50% of consumption in the UES of Ukraine determines the onset of the system accident mode, blackout.

Therefore, Ukrenergo, in accordance with the rules of the market, has notified of an emergency situation, starting from the morning of December 16.

The situation in the Ukrainian energy system is under control, it is maintaining a stable frequency of 50 Hz and operating in sync with the European continental network. At the same time, the shortage of electricity in the system has increased, Ukrenergo said on social media.

The state of emergency was introduced only for electricity market participants in accordance with electricity market rules and applies only to market operations.

The company also said emergency blackouts were in effect throughout Ukraine, and it might take longer than previously to restore power supply. Electricity will be supplied to critical infrastructure as priority.

Energy Minister German Galushchenko said that several generating facilities were damaged on Friday and that generating at nuclear plants was limited.

"What we are already seeing is damage to about nine generation facilities. We are still verifying the damage. Substations that transmit electricity have been damaged, which led to limits on generation, primarily nuclear generation," he said on a TV program broadcast on YouTube.

"We are trying to connect the nuclear power plants to the grid as soon as possible now," Galushchenko said.

Commenting on a report by the national power transmission operator Ukrenergo that power consumption dropped 50% nationwide, Galushchenko said this means electricity cannot be supplied to half of all customers.