Power consumption in Ukraine hits new seasonal highs, electricity use should be reduced - PM

MOSCOW. Dec 13 (Interfax) - Ukraine broke records for power consumption in the current heating season on December 7 and 11, Prime Minister Denis Shmygal said.

"Ukraine has entered a lengthy winter temperature period. This means that the load on our power system has grown. This leads to a capacity shortage in the grid, which we have to compensate for by getting emergency aid from our neighbors. Unfortunately, we've already broken records for power consumption during this heating season twice. The highest figures were recorded on December 7 and 11," Ukrainian media quoted Shmygal as saying on his social account following a government meeting.

He once again urged Ukrainians to curb electricity use at peak hours due to a shortage in the grid.

"A cold spell and growing electricity consumption in the Ukrainian power grid have produced a capacity shortage. I've listened to reports on steps taken to stabilize the situation at a meeting of the Anti-Crisis Energy Headquarters," Shmygal said.

"There is an ENTSO-E decision owing to which Ukraine may import up to 1.7 GW of electricity. The government has set up the necessary mechanisms enabling private businesses to import electricity. These tools should be employed actively," he said.

Shmygal also highlighted the importance of debts owed to businesses operating in the fuel and energy sector. The Energy Ministry reported measures taken to stabilize their financial standing and regulations drawn up to this end, he said.