This is the third nuclear reactor that has completed planned work to prepare for the winter heating season. The operation of this unit will help reduce the electricity shortage in the country.
Ukrenergo CEO Volodymyr Kudrytskyi said on June 7 that an additional unit at a nuclear power plant would be launched overnight. This will not eliminate blackout schedules for consumers, but they will "become softer."
On the same day, Ukrenergo announced that new blackout schedules would be introduced in test mode starting June 8. According to Yuriy Vlasenko, the first deputy energy minister, the new schedules will reduce the number of hours without electricity for the population.
The power outage schedules for industrial and residential consumers in Ukraine will be in effect from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. on June 8.
Energy system deficit and rotating schedules in Ukraine
Russia has carried out five missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's power system since March 22. Due to the damage, Ukrainian power plants cannot produce as much electricity as before the attacks, Ukrenergo said.
Controlled emergency blackouts were introduced in all regions of Ukraine on May 14 due to a significant electricity shortage.
All major thermal and hydroelectric power plants in Ukraine were damaged by Russian strikes, Ukrenergo reported on May 20.
The company urged consumers to shift the use of powerful electrical appliances to daytime hours, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Russia's goal is a complete blackout in Ukraine, Energy Minister German Halushchenko said during a meeting with EU member state officials at the IAEA on June 6. The energy situation in Ukraine is currently worse than it has been over the past two years.