Ukraine introduces 8-hour per day restriction on energy consumption

MOSCOW

Ukraine's Energy Ministry announced on Thursday nationwide measures restricting electricity usage across all regions, citing severe damage to critical power infrastructure.

"In order to stabilize the grid, limitations on energy consumption have now been implemented throughout Ukraine," the ministry said.

State-owned grid operator Ukrenergo specified that rolling outages will occur daily between 8 am and 7 pm local time (GMT+2).

Widespread, prolonged blackouts affecting multiple regions, including the capital Kyiv, began on Oct. 10.

Authorities confirmed extensive damage to electrical grids and other utilities, exacerbating the crisis.

Energy Minister Svetlana Grinchuk characterized the current situation as extremely challenging.

Subsequent reports over subsequent days revealed additional damage to key energy facilities, prompting widespread implementation of both emergency and pre-planned rotational blackout schedules.