KYIV, Nov 2 – Ukraine’s thermal-electric power stations have been forced to drastically reduce gas consumption after Itera announced it is stopping gas deliveries; however, no gas deficit in the energy system, nor any consumer cut-offs are expected tonight, a source in the Fuel and Energy Ministry told Ukrainian News.
According to the source, the power stations cut gas consumption by two-thirds today, from 18-19 million cubic meters per day to 5.5 million cubic meters, after Itera announced a complete halt to gas deliveries in November.
“Itera warned us that we have no resources for November. We cut consumption so there is no unsanctioned diversion,” said the source.
According to the source, the energy system will not have a deficit tonight and there will not be any cut-offs.
In addition, the source noted that cut-offs are possible as soon as November 2, as thermal power stations have insufficient reserves of fuel oil, which is meant to replace gas when igniting coal.
According to Yevhen Chervonenko, the head of the State Committee for Material Reserves, the State Reserve had already shipped 20 thousand tons of fuel oil to the power stations on the night of November 1.
According to the source, electricity stations have not yet received the fuel oil.
According to Fuel and Energy Ministry data, on October 26 thermal stations had minimal fuel oil reserves – 10 thousand tons.
Power companies presently owe Itera about Hr 300 million.
Thermoelectric power generating companies – Dniproenergo, Donbasenergo, Zakhidenergo, and Tsentrenergo – had been using about 30 million cubic meters of natural gas per day since late June.
The power generating companies buy natural gas at $45 per 1,000 cubic meters, with payment of $5 out of the cost of every 1,000 cubic meters deferred for four months.
