Blackouts in Ukraine: Will businesses halt operations due to ongoing power outages?

"We have analytical data from member companies of the Association, and already 85% of businesses have invested in their energy independence. Typically, companies invest in alternative sources, such as inverters, solar stations, and powerful generators. Additionally, large companies have the capability to purchase volumes of imported electricity. This shows that everyone is aware of the need to prepare for challenging times, and they are doing so. We also compared how many companies invested in energy independence before the war and during the war, and it turned out that before the war, 65% of companies invested, while this number has increased by 20% now. During the war, we observed that only 15% of companies are not investing in equipment to maintain their own energy independence. According to our data, 55% invested up to $200,000, while 30% invested more than $200,000," said Anna Derevyanko.

The published results of the European Business Association's survey "Developing Business Energy Independence" indicate that, on average, businesses assess their readiness for the winter season at 3.84 out of 5. Companies rated government support in this context at 2 out of 5. In Anna Derevyanko's opinion, this means that businesses are relying on themselves and preparing independently for a difficult winter, with potential prolonged power outages.

"Our business is responsible, so we understand that whatever we can take on, we will take on, and we are accountable for our teams, for our production, and we do not shift this responsibility onto the government. What businesses definitely expect from the government is clear and equitable rules of the game, and it seems to me that the government should establish them. Additionally, in my view, the government can assist with certain simplifications in customs clearance for energy products, with duty-free imports for certain categories, and possibly with VAT reductions or specific adjustments to tax incentives to simplify preparations for winter," says the Executive Director of EBA.

It should be noted that there is still a shortage in Ukraine's energy system. This means that the load is too high for generation and networks that have been damaged by the strikes of the Russian aggressor. As a result, the operator "Ukrenergo" has to implement outage schedules.