Despite recent improvements, a significant capacity shortage persists in Ukraine's power grid. "A week ago, another nuclear power unit was also connected to the grid ahead of schedule," the Energy Ministry said.
"Substations and power transmission lines are frequently targeted. Therefore, as a result of missile and drone strikes, there are restrictions on the transmission of available electricity," the ministry added.
Rolling blackout schedules were in effect from 4 to 10 p.m. on July 24 amid ongoing power system improvements. Massive Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have resumed since March 22, 2024, limiting the electricity production capacity of Ukrainian power plants, according to Ukrenergo.
Restrictions on electricity consumption have been in place since May 14. Ukrenergo reported on May 20 that all major thermal and hydroelectric power plants in Ukraine had sustained damage from Russian attacks.
Consumers are urged to use powerful electrical appliances during daytime hours, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted that Russia has destroyed 50% of Ukraine's electricity generation capacity, with 73% of large thermal power plants out of operation due to severe damage and destruction.
The current situation is worse than in 2022-2023, according to Energy Minister German Halushchenko. Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, Chairman of the Board of Ukrenergo, said in early July that the electricity situation is expected to improve in August following scheduled repairs of Ukrainian NPPs and changes in weather conditions.