Criticism of Rising Electricity Tariffs
Energy specialist Oleg Popenko has criticized the recent increase in electricity tariffs, arguing that it will have no effect on Ukraine's power outage schedules. He identifies the physical destruction of infrastructure, not the price of power, as the core issue. Popenko, an expert in the energy sector, stresses that Ukraine's energy sector already has more than sufficient funds. This perspective comes amid ongoing Russian attacks targeting the country's power grid.
In an interview on his YouTube channel, PopenkoPro, the expert highlighted that Energoatom sells electricity on the exchange at a markup of 600-700%. The production cost is only 15 hryvnias, yet it is sold for 600-700 hryvnias. Popenko also noted that Naftogaz controls 95% of the gas in Ukraine, while state monopolies dominate the electricity sector.
The Need for State-Controlled Tariffs
Furthermore, the expert pointed out that international financing, such as the 400 million euros allocated by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to Ukrenergo, is not contingent on tariff levels. He emphasized that during wartime, Ukraine must implement state-regulated tariffs, as the situation with blackouts does not reflect normal market conditions.
"What kind of market tariffs can there be during a war, when we are in a state of force majeure and have state regulation?" Oleg Popenko remarked.
The expert called for a review of electricity tariff approaches for the duration of the war and for six months after its conclusion to account for the population's ability to pay. According to Oleg Popenko, the situation in Ukraine's energy sector requires urgent changes, as current tariffs do not reflect the real conditions or the needs of the people.
Oleg Popenko's position underscores the necessity of revising existing electricity tariffs in Ukraine, especially under wartime conditions where economic realities have drastically shifted. He stresses the importance of state regulation during a force majeure, which could help reduce the burden on the population and ensure the stability of energy infrastructure. This could be a critically important step for supporting the economy and improving citizens' lives during wartime.