Over 50,000 power and heating workers involved in repairs in Ukraine – Shmyhal

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal said this on Facebook during the Forum of Frontline Cities and Communities in Kharkiv, outlining the steps already taken, Ukrinform reports.

"The Ministry of Energy and the government are paying special attention to helping communities get through this winter and to building resources for modernization. More than 50,000 power and heating workers are involved in repair and restoration work. All of them will receive a monthly payment of UAH 20,000 for January, February, and March," Shmyhal said.

According to him, Ukraine is increasing electricity imports and has reached record volumes of imports from Europe.

"More than 30 countries are providing us with support this winter – generators, transformers, cogeneration units, and more. The task of local authorities is to install all this equipment quickly," he said.

In addition, there are support programs for individuals, businesses, and homeowners' associations to install additional generation capacity, including the SvitloDIM program and preferential loans for private households to install alternative energy sources.

As part of a pilot project to build protective structures for critical infrastructure facilities in frontline regions, UAH 6 billion has been allocated to regional military administrations. At present, protective structures are being built for 93 critical elements at 84 energy facilities, Shmyhal said.

In addition, the government has allocated more than UAH 2.5 billion for the procurement of high-capacity generators, primarily for frontline communities.

"It is also important to talk not only about anti-crisis solutions, but about long-term resilience: decentralization as a new standard; cogeneration for heat and electricity; installing solar power plants where effective; and creating energy storage capacity," Shmyhal said.

He stressed the need to create an "energy shield" for frontline communities so that key facilities can operate autonomously, as well as for communities to invest in housing and utility services.

"Everyone must allocate more resources in their budgets for upgrading networks and systems," Shmyhal said.

He also underscored European integration and cooperation with partners.

"Communities today have enormous potential for cooperation with foreign partners and organizations," Shmyhal said.

It is also necessary to invest in people and vocational education and to engage businesses, Shmyhal added.

Photo: Denys Shmyhal / Facebook