Mayor of Dnipro Calls for Consolidation of Power and Late Start to Heating Season
The Mayor of Dnipro, Boris Filatov, expressed concern about the current state of Ukraine’s energy system and called on government authorities to take joint action in preparation for the heating season. According to the mayor, the heating season should start as late as possible to avoid additional strain on the country’s energy system, which is in a critical state due to the consequences of Russian shelling.
This is reported by AgroReview
Interdependence of the Energy System and Public Utilities
Boris Filatov emphasized that water, heating, and gas supply are closely linked to the availability of electricity. He pointed out that in the event of a power outage, the city could be left not only without light but also without water and heat, as water is the primary heat carrier in heating systems. The mayor also warned residents against having excessive expectations regarding the use of generators in the event of widespread power outages, noting that even the most powerful generators cannot ensure the stable operation of the entire system throughout the winter.
“The heating season should begin as late as possible. And it should start simultaneously and centrally across the country. Thus, the decision to begin supplying heat belongs to local self-government, and we are guided by clear regulations stating that the launch of heating plants occurs when the average daily temperature does not exceed +8 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days,” Filatov wrote on Facebook.
Responsibility and the Need for Coordination
The mayor paid special attention to the issue of public shifting of responsibility among different branches of power and law enforcement agencies for the consequences of attacks on energy infrastructure. He emphasized that the primary responsibility for the destruction lies with Russia as the aggressor state, not with Ukrainian authorities or the Defense Forces. The mayor called on his colleagues – leaders of territorial communities – to unite efforts and hold consultations with the government, Naftogaz, Ukrenergo, and private energy suppliers to agree on the date for the start of the heating season.
Boris Filatov also advised residents to prepare for a difficult winter and not to expect easy conditions, emphasizing that “it certainly will not be simple.”