Rising electricity tariffs add to Ukraine's energy crisis, officials warn

Russian attacks have caused enormous damage to Ukraine's energy sector. As media highlight, Ukrainian authorities will have to make an unpopular decision and raise electricity tariffs for the population.

The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine stated that the article by the British newspaper Financial Times titled "Russia has taken out over half of Ukraine power generation" about the consequences of Russian attacks "has signs of disinformation and psychological operation in Russia's interest."

The crux of the matter is that Russia has disabled or taken over more than half of Ukraine's power plants, leading to widespread power outages in the country since the start of the war.

According to the newspaper, since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, electricity production in Ukraine has dropped by more than half, from 55 gigawatts to less than 20 gigawatts.

Journalists refer to statements by Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who said that the consequences of Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy sector are "long-term," and saving electricity "will be part of our daily life in the years to come."

Two other Ukrainian officials, who spoke to the Financial Times on condition of anonymity, commented on the mass attack on energy facilities in five regions of Ukraine on the night of June 1.

One called it "devastating," while another stated that in winter, the country's residents will spend most of the day without electricity.

Asked by reporters what consequences can be expected in the coming months, one of the officials replied: "We should prepare for life in the cold and the dark."

As media highlight, Ukrainian authorities will have to make an unpopular decision and raise electricity tariffs for the population.

If no measures are taken, according to our modelling, then probably the population will have only two to four hours of electricity [per day] in January, emphasizes economist Borys Dodonov.