Ukrenergo enlarges list of EU countries that may supply electricity as emergency aid

MOSCOW. March 30 (Interfax) - The Ukrenergo power grid operator of Ukraine and 15 system operators of ENTSO-E, Europe's energy association, have signed an agreement on multilateral emergency assistance, which makes it possible to receive technical assistance, if need be, in the form of electricity not only from neighboring countries but also from other European Union countries, the company said.

"This agreement is of course another important contribution to Ukraine's energy stability and resilience. Thanks to the solidarity and determination of our friends, the transmission system operators of continental Europe, Ukrenergo can count on larger emergency assistance. The Ukrainian grid is even stronger today, which means that there will be light in the homes of Ukrainians even in the darkest time," Ukrainian media quoted Ukrenergo CEO Vladimir Kudritsky as saying in a statement.

The agreement took effect on Wednesday, the company said.

Emergency assistance includes urgent electricity supplies from another country at a system operator's request if all internal reserves and means to prevent a blackout simultaneously affecting a large number of consumers have already been exhausted, Ukrenergo said. Its difference from import is that is an urgent measure to avert an emergency, and it cannot be predicted in advance when it may become necessary. Meanwhile, import takes place within a predetermined timeframe under signed commercial contracts