Zelensky orders provision of conditions for electricity imports

MOSCOW. Nov 8 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has initiated the provision of proper economic conditions for electricity imports to compensate for its possible shortage in the Ukrainian power system during the upcoming winter.

A presidential decree dated November 7, 2023 recommends that the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Utilities "analyze the provision of economic conditions for importing electric energy throughout the 2023-2024 fall and winter period," Ukrainian media reported with reference to the presidential website.

Zelensky also instructed the commission to analyze ways to provide for the functioning of new highly maneuverable facilities on the ancillary services market through reconstruction using gas piston and gas turbine units of thermal power plants operated by Naftogaz of Ukraine with the purpose of creating highly maneuverable capacities.

As reported, to increase electricity imports to Ukraine during the heating season, the commission could raise the price ceiling on the energy market, which could even out price distortions on the Ukrainian and European spot markets during hours when there is a power shortage.

At the present time, the authorized transmission capacity limit for imports to Ukraine from EU countries is 1.2 GW, while the Ukrainian power system's anticipated demand for electricity imports in winter might reach 2 GW.