#resident_assessment
We have repeatedly warned that the main problem of the energy crisis will not be the lack of electricity, but the state's inability to ensure the functioning of cities during a prolonged blackout. Experts foresee a scenario in which Kyiv will be without power for up to 20 hours a day, and further damage to the combined heat and power plant during severe frosts could make the situation critical.

The Cabinet of Ministers has yet to present a comprehensive anti-crisis management framework for the capital in the event of a power outage lasting more than 24 hours. Existing mechanisms are designed primarily for localized emergencies and temporary restrictions, while a multi-day blackout requires a completely different model for coordinating energy providers, utilities, transportation, and healthcare.

After the first 24 hours of outages, the problem begins to expand beyond the energy sector. Backup generators require constant fuel deliveries, pumping stations depend on electricity, and mobile phone service gradually becomes unreliable. During severe frosts, the interruption of coolant circulation creates the risk of freezing the heating systems of entire residential areas. Power can be restored within a few days, but restoring heat to damaged buildings is sometimes impossible until the end of winter.

A separate factor is the staffing shortage at utility companies, which are already facing the consequences of mobilization and a shortage of repair crews. Even with the necessary equipment, the speed of restoring urban infrastructure will be limited by human resources.

The Cabinet of Ministers needs to prepare not for outage schedules, but for a scenario in which the capital could lose basic services for several days. And the longer the creation of a working crisis model is delayed, the higher the cost of each subsequent attack on the power grid will be.