Zelensky enacts NSDC decision on measures to neutralize threats in energy sector

According to Ukrinform, the decree to that effect, No. 452/2021 of August 28, has been published on the president's website.

"In accordance with Article 107 of the Constitution of Ukraine, I decree to put into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine of July 30, 2021 'On measures to neutralize threats in the energy sector'," the decree reads.

The document also recognizes as invalid presidential decree No. 298 of May 28, 2015 "On the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine of May 6, 2015 'On the status of implementation of the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine of November 4, 2014 on the state of ensuring energy security of the state and urgent measures for the sustainable 2014/15 heating season and additional measures to ensure the provision of domestic consumers with energy'."

The NSDC secretary has been tasked with monitoring the implementation of the NSDC decision enacted by this decree.

The NSDC on July 30 held an offsite meeting in Donetsk region. NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said after the meeting that the National Security and Defense Council was considering introducing temporary administrations in private energy companies if there was a threat to national security.

At the same time, Danilov said that almost 17,000 gas distribution networks had become privately owned in a non-transparent manner and there was a monopoly in this area as a company owned by businessman Dmytro Firtash controls 70% of regional gas supply companies. The NSDC planned to instruct the Cabinet of Ministers to check this situation.

In early July, the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities launched an investigation into the behavior of electricity market participants in the day-ahead market.

Investigations into violations of the legislation governing the functioning of the electricity market are being conducted against United Energy, D.Trading, DTEK Dniproenergo, DTEK Zakhidenergo, Centerenergo, Ener Gy, Enerhozakhid, EcoTech Energy, Entra M, Utility Trading Artlex Energy, and ONK-Group.

The Antimonopoly Committee sees signs of anticompetitive concerted action in the electricity market and has initiated an investigation on its own initiative into the presence or absence of signs of violations of economic competition law.

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