The Ministry of Energy is developing a new methodology for applying blackout schedules. This should solve the problem of uneven distribution of blackouts between different regions of Ukraine.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing sources in the energy industry.
Today, the regions receive general commands from Ukrenergo to shut down, but local power companies decide on their own which lines to turn off and for how long. As a result, in some regions, the electricity can be cut off for 3-4 hours, while in others it can be cut off for only 2 hours. The new methodology should ensure a fairer approach.
One of the proposed options is to create several zones that will unite regions with approximately the same level of consumption. Within each zone, outages will occur simultaneously and according to the same schedules. For example, if one of the zones has a 4-hour blackout, it will occur simultaneously for all areas within that zone.
Another option is to create sub-queues for more precise regulation. If the introduction of one queue is not enough, and two are too many, it is possible to disconnect “one and a half queues” for flexible management of the power system.
So far, the new methodology for approaching outages is still being developed, but it is expected to be introduced in January 2025.