Curfew, education and generation: Government decisions due to the energy crisis
фото: Reuters
Ukraine’s energy system is in difficult conditions due to intensive Russian shelling and the most severe winter in 20 years. In connection with the emergency situation in the energy sector, the Government has identified a set of measures to overcome its consequences.
This was reported by Prime Minister Yulia Svirydenko.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal was appointed head of the emergency response operations. The government has launched permanent headquarters at the national level, as well as separately for Kyiv and Kyiv region. They coordinate the actions of energy professionals, utilities, the State Emergency Service, local authorities, and central executive bodies around the clock.
In the territories where the energy emergency is in effect, the curfew is allowed to be relaxed . Citizens will be allowed to be on the streets and in public places without permits, in particular in shopping and entertainment centers that perform the functions of inviolability and heating points, and private transport will also be allowed to move. Additional decisions will be made by headquarters or regional military administrations, taking into account the situation on the ground. Control and public order will be ensured by the security and defense forces.
In the education sector in Kyiv, it is planned to extend the winter holidays until February 1, 2026, with the exception of kindergartens. In other regions, decisions on distance learning or holidays will be made depending on the security situation.
The government is also creating conditions for a rapid increase in electricity imports for both state-owned companies and businesses. Separately, they are strengthening control over the work of Invincibility Points. More than 10,000 such points have already been deployed across the country, including more than 1,200 in Kyiv. New points will be opened and food will be provided throughout the day.
Ministries and regulators have been instructed to simplify the connection of backup generation, including cogeneration plants and modular boiler houses, as much as possible . In parallel, the need for generators and backup equipment is being analyzed with subsequent redistribution between regions.
Special attention will be paid to residential buildings in Kyiv and Kyiv region, in particular those with electric heating . For residents in the most difficult situation, backup power sources, water transportation, and other support have been provided. The government is also considering the possibility of classifying such buildings as critical infrastructure.
In addition, regional military administrations should reduce electricity consumption by limiting outdoor lighting, advertising backlighting, and excess street lighting.
The Minister of Energy, Denys Shmyhal, is coordinating and monitoring the implementation of decisions. The 112 hotline is open 24/7 to receive reports of lack of heat, water, and electricity supply.
It was previously reported that on January 15, the Russian army destroyed a critical energy infrastructure facility in Kharkiv with a missile attack.