Zheleznyak stated about losses in energy: Energoatom did not receive up to 1.5 billion UAH

Against the backdrop of massive power outages in Ukraine, the state did not receive significant volumes of electricity, which could have been imported from Europe. This was stated by People’s Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak while commenting on the situation in the energy system and the work of the regulator. According to him, during peak periods, Ukraine used only about 30% of the available capacity for electricity imports. 

Zheleznyak recalled that Ukraine can technically import up to 2.5 GW of electricity from the EU, but this did not happen due to price restrictions. He associates the problem with decisions made by the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities (NERC), which did not timely adjust the so-called price caps. This made imports from Europe, where prices were higher, economically unfeasible, leading to additional disconnection schedules.

Electricity deficit and imports: what is the problem

According to the deputy, with a total internal generation of about 11 GW, Ukraine required up to 18 GW. Part of the deficit could have been covered by imports, but this did not happen due to administrative price restrictions in the spot market.

Zheleznyak noted that:

• the technical possibility of imports existed
• price restrictions prevented the purchase of electricity in the EU
• the decision to review the price cap was made with a delay.

Energoatom and price cap: who lost money

Separately, the deputy drew attention to the situation with Energoatom. According to him, the company sold a large volume of electricity at an auction for a price of about 7,500 UAH per MWh a few days before the price cap was raised. After the regulator's decision, the average price rose to about 10,500 UAH.

As a result, according to Zheleznyak’s estimates:

• traders received significant profits
• Energoatom could have lost up to 1.5 billion UAH
• decisions were made against the backdrop of already known plans to change price restrictions.

The deputy also mentioned the responsibility of the regulator and the management of energy companies, stating that these decisions directly affected the duration and scale of power outages.

Earlier, Zheleznyak stated that Ukraine still plans to introduce mandatory VAT registration for some individual entrepreneurs starting from January 1, 2027.