State of Emergency Declared in Kharkiv Region
A regional-level state of emergency in the energy sector was declared in the Kharkiv region on February 10. The regional authorities are initiating an appeal to Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers for the Kharkiv region to join the national "SvitloDim" ("LightHome") program. This initiative provides financial assistance for the purchase of energy equipment for multi-apartment buildings, a critical need given the severe strain on the power grid. The ongoing war has placed immense pressure on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, making such support vital for civilian resilience.
As reported by the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, the region is under constant enemy shelling. Consequently, a decision was made to recognize the situation in the energy sector as an emergency. The SvitloDim program offers financial support to associations of co-owners of multi-apartment buildings, housing and service cooperatives, and building managers.
Details of the SvitloDim Program
Under the program's terms, the state provides assistance ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 hryvnias for the specified categories. These funds can be used to purchase generators, batteries, inverters, and other energy equipment. Applications for financial aid can be submitted online by associations of co-owners and building managers via the Diia platform. A commission under the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development will review and approve the applications.
The authorities also noted that the Cabinet of Ministers has adopted an additional package of decisions to support people and businesses under conditions of limited energy supply. The SvitloDim program aims to ensure autonomous power supply for multi-apartment buildings during prolonged electricity outages.
The declaration of a state of emergency in the Kharkiv region underscores the severity of the energy crisis the region is facing due to military actions.
Oleh Syniehubov
Inclusion in the SvitloDim program could be a crucial step in ensuring a more stable power supply for residents living under the difficult conditions of constant shelling. This initiative reflects broader government efforts to bolster civilian infrastructure and support the population amidst the challenges of war and energy shortages.