Massive Russian attack damages energy infrastructure, power outages adjusted
Damage to energy infrastructure has been reported following Russia’s massive attack, and electricity outage schedules have been adjusted in several regions of Ukraine.
According to Ukrinform, this was reported on Facebook by Ukrenergo.
“During the night and morning, the enemy carried out a massive missile-and-drone attack on energy infrastructure in Kyiv and the region. Energy facilities in several other regions were also affected by Russian shelling. As a result, as of the morning there are power outages affecting consumers in Kyiv, the Kyiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk regions,” the statement reads.
Energy workers have already begun emergency repair work wherever the security situation allows.
At the same time, due to the massive attack, the timing and scale of electricity consumption restrictions have been changed for today.
“In some regions of Ukraine, capacity limitation schedules for industry and hourly outages for all categories of consumers were introduced starting at 08:00. These restrictions will remain in effect until the end of the day,” Ukrenergo said.
The power system operator advised consumers to shift the use of high-power electrical appliances to daytime hours – from 11:00 to 16:00, when solar power plants operate most efficiently.
“However, if hourly outages are currently in effect in your region, please consume electricity as sparingly as possible. When power is restored according to the schedule, avoid switching on several high-power appliances simultaneously,” the company added.
Ukrenergo also stressed that all regions need to reduce electricity consumption during peak evening hours – from 17:00 to 22:00.
Earlier, it was reported that beginning at 18:00 on March 13, Russian forces launched a combined strike on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure using attack drones and land- and sea-based missiles. During the attack, Russia used around 430 drones of various types and 68 missiles, including 13 ballistic missiles.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down or suppressed 58 missiles and 402 drones. The massive Russian strike killed four people and damaged civilian infrastructure.
Emergency power outages were also introduced in Kyiv and the Bucha district earlier in the morning.