Heat overloads the energy system: power outages of up to 5 hours possible in Ukraine
Ukrainians warned about a difficult summer due to heat and overloaded networks
Ukraine has entered a period when, due to heat, a sharp increase in consumption and damage to the power system, systemic electricity supply restrictions may be introduced for industrial and household consumers. The situation may be especially difficult in the evening hours, when solar generation no longer works but air-conditioning demand remains high. This was stated on the air of “Den.LIVE” by energy expert Stanislav Ignatiev.
The expert said that the consequences of critical load on the power grid have already been observed on the left bank of Kyiv, where equipment of the regional power utility was switching off due to overload.
“We have already observed this twice on the left bank of Kyiv – the regional power utility’s equipment was switching off due to overload, primarily because of increased electricity consumption,” he noted.
According to Stanislav Ignatiev, the summer may prove difficult in terms of power supply stability. The highest strain on the energy system occurs on hot evenings, when air temperatures remain high, people widely use air conditioners, and solar power plants are already reducing output.
The expert referred to the forecast of the chairman of the board of NEC “Ukrenergo”, Vitaliy Zaichenko. Under the most severe scenario, electricity supply restrictions for household consumers during peak hours could last up to 5 hours.
At the same time, a scenario with prolonged outages depends not only on temperature. Risks will increase significantly if prolonged heat combines with new massive Russian strikes on generation facilities and energy infrastructure.
During the day, consumer needs are planned to be met thanks to nuclear, renewable and distributed generation, as well as electricity imports. The most difficult period will remain the evening peak, when solar electricity production falls sharply.
According to Stanislav Ignatiev, at an average daily temperature of 28.5°C the volume of electricity consumption may correspond to winter levels at around -15°C. In winter, such a load already led to mass outages, a situation that was further complicated by Russian attacks on energy facilities.
However, experts’ warnings do not mean that unified schedules of 5-hour outages have already been introduced across the country. This refers to a possible scenario during periods of maximum electricity deficit.
Consumers are urged to use high-power appliances sparingly, especially in the evening hours. Simultaneous use of air conditioners, water heaters, washing machines and electric stoves can additionally overload the networks.
Previously we wrote:
- Korabelnyi district without power on the weekend: major power grid repairs on Sunday
- Second week without power: one part of Korabelnyi was de-energized eleven times in June for major repairs
- Modernization and major overhaul of power grids: who will be without power on Tuesday
- On Monday more than a thousand Korabelnyi homes will be de-energized for major power grid repairs
- Major repairs cannot wait: part of the Korabelnyi district will be left without electricity on Sunday
