---
title: "Heatwave and repairs: why power outages have returned to Ukraine"
description: "Power outages have returned to Ukraine: an abnormal heatwave increased consumption by 25%, while scheduled repairs and the aftermath of shelling prevent the system from handling the load. Energy imports have decreased due to heat in Europe, and the government is urging citizens to save electricity during peak hours ⚡🔥"
date: 2026-06-30T11:32:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/heatwave-and-repairs-why-power-outages-have-returned-to-ukraine
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Heatwave and repairs: why power outages have returned to Ukraine

![Man working on laptop by candlelight during power outage in Ukraine due to heatwave and grid repairs](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/30/otklyucheniya-sveta-v-ukraine-iz-za-zhary-i-remontov/otklyucheniya-sveta-v-ukraine-iz-za-zhary-i-remontov-1.webp)

At the end of June, Ukraine reintroduced electricity outage schedules. The reasons were not only the aftermath of shelling but also an abnormal summer heatwave coinciding with scheduled maintenance at power plants. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine citing a statement from Ukrenergo.

### Peak consumption due to air conditioners

The main factor triggering the return of forced outages was extreme temperatures. Widespread and prolonged use of air conditioners by both residential consumers and businesses led to a sharp spike in load on the grid. According to the energy operator, the usual volume of energy consumption increased by at least 25%.

### Repair season and consequences of strikes

The situation is exacerbated by seasonality: summer is traditionally the period for scheduled maintenance at nuclear and other power plants. Combined with infrastructure damage from Russian shelling, this significantly limits the energy system's ability to cover high consumption peaks.

Emergency restoration work continues at all damaged facilities. Ukrenergo emphasized that the main task now is to prepare the energy system for winter.

### Problems with energy imports

Ukraine also faced difficulties in purchasing electricity from abroad. Record heat has swept across most European countries, causing a sharp rise in domestic consumption in neighboring states. As a result, Ukrainian traders cannot import electricity in the same volumes as in winter and spring.

### Appeals to save energy and action plan

In connection with the introduction of strict emergency outages in one of the regions, all Ukrainians are urged to consume electricity carefully during peak load periods. It is recommended to limit the use of powerful appliances between 16:00 and 23:00.

Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal promised citizens prompt solutions to stabilize the situation and has already announced a specific action plan to eliminate the deficit.