Ukraine's electricity deficit has fallen to 1 GW, energy minister says

Ukraine's power system recorded a 5-6GW electricity deficit in winter, but it has now fallen to 1 GW.

Source: Ukraine's Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, as reported by Liga.net, an independent Ukrainian online news outlet

Quote: "As of today, the deficit is 1 GW, which is five to six times less than it was in winter. This naturally means a reduction in the number of queues for domestic consumers and slightly less burdensome [power outage] schedules for businesses."

For reference: Ukraine's state-owned electricity transmission operator Ukrenergo defines a "queue" as a group of consumers and businesses using a specific amount of megawatts. The Dispatch Centre sets the number of queues needed across oblasts to address energy deficits. Critical infrastructure and eligible industrial companies that import at least 60% of their energy cannot be disconnected, according to a Ukrainian Cabinet resolution.

Details: Shmyhal also noted that businesses are adapting by developing their own distributed generation. He added that solar power plants are the fastest and most cost-effective way to produce electricity in Ukraine.

Quote: "Ukraine gets plenty of sunlight, and with the arrival of sunnier days and the summer, there will be a surplus of solar energy. This will need to be balanced through the installation of suitable batteries."

Background: In February 2026, Ukraine again imported a record amount of electricity – 1.26 million MWh, a 41% increase compared with January 2026.

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