New Power Outage Schedules for Ukraine
Beginning February 5, 2026, Ukraine will introduce scheduled hourly power outages and capacity restrictions for industrial consumers. This measure is a direct response to Russia's sustained attacks on the nation's energy infrastructure, which have caused severe damage. This winter, Russian forces have specifically targeted the energy sector, with cities like Kharkiv suffering significant destruction.
Impact on Kharkiv and Other Regions
In Kharkiv, tens of thousands of homes have been left without heating and electricity due to the destruction of power infrastructure. On the night of February 3, Russian strikes on energy facilities in multiple regions left consumers without power in:
- Sumy Oblast
- Donetsk Oblast
- Dnipropetrovsk Oblast
- Kherson Oblast
- Zaporizhzhia Oblast
Attacks destroyed DTEK thermal power plants that provided district heating for areas in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro. The Darnytsia Thermal Power Plant in Kyiv was temporarily shut down due to serious damage sustained from shelling.
Authorities are urging citizens to stay informed and use electricity sparingly when it is available according to the schedule.
“The situation in the energy system can change. Please check the official websites of your regional power distribution company for the timing and scope of outages affecting your address. When electricity is available per the schedule—please use it sparingly!” stated Ukrenergo.Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed that “the occupiers attacked combined heat and power plants (CHPPs) and thermal power plants (TPPs) that were operating to heat districts in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro.”
The implementation of scheduled outages is a critical response to the damaged state of Ukraine's energy grid following relentless Russian assaults. These measures, designed to preserve energy resources, will significantly impact daily life and industrial activity. With winter driving higher demand for heating and electricity, the rational use of available resources and public readiness for changes in supply schedules have become especially vital. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in maintaining basic infrastructure during the war.