Preparing for Blackouts
As of October 2024, Russia has destroyed or damaged almost 90% of Ukraine’s thermal power generation capacity, as well as targeted other electricity generation facilities. Each massive attack by Russia on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure risks causing a complete or partial blackout. Such outages can be challenging, but manageable with the right preparation. Losing power affects everything from communications to workspace comfort. This guide is designed to help you manage blackouts effectively, whether you are already in Ukraine or planning to travel here. We have grouped the advice by essential areas such as energy conservation, comfort, and safety, so you can focus on specific protocols.
General Tips
- Keep everything charged. Always charge essential devices like smartphones, laptops, and other devices when electricity is available. Invest in a power bank or a portable power station.
- Optimize power usage. Lower the screen brightness on your devices and set the most energy-efficient power plan.
- Invest in alternative lighting. Be sure to have battery-powered flashlights, USB lamps, or candles at hand for comfortable work in the dark.
- Stable internet connection. If you come to Ukraine for an extended time, find an internet provider that offers internet access in case of a power outage.
- Keep track of schedules. Bookmark website pages specific to your region where you can look up the schedules for rolling power outages.
- Wear clothing with reflective elements. When traveling or walking during power outages, especially at night, wear jackets or accessories with reflective materials. They make you more noticeable to drivers and reduce the risk of accidents in low-light conditions.
Follow safety rules near generators. Never smoke or use open flames in the vicinity of an operating generator. Stay at least a few meters away from them. Do not touch them or open the lid. Be careful with any liquids. Disclaimer: if you are planning to set up your own power generator, read the usage instructions and additional safety rules.
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Where can I find the schedules for power outages?
Regional blackout schedules are designed to help manage disruptions caused by various factors in Ukraine’s energy system. There are three main types of blackouts:
- Emergency outages due to localized accidents, which are not specifically tied to energy shortage. For example, there may be a mechanical issue that caused a blackout.
- Emergency outages due to missile attacks and external factors, which have a larger impact on the energy grid. These cannot be predicted or planned beforehand.
- Planned or rolling outages. This type of blackout can happen due to maintenance issues or a predicted energy deficit.
You can check power outage schedules for various regions on official energy provider websites, local utility apps, or through government announcements:
Tips for Warmer Seasons
- Cool down. Keep air circulating by opening windows during non-peak heat hours or using battery-operated fans. If available, use blackout curtains to reduce the heat from sunlight.
- Stock up on food supplies. If you anticipate extended blackouts, eat perishable foods first and stock up on non-perishable goods.
- Stay hydrated. Prepare bottled water in case your area experiences water supply disruptions due to power outages that affect pumping stations.
Tips for Colder Seasons
- Stay Warm. Remember to bring warm clothes for winter weather conditions. Extra blankets and thermal clothing will come in handy.
- Acquire alternative heat sources. If possible, use safe, battery-operated or portable heating devices. Stock up on hand warmers and extra batteries for emergencies.
- Quick cooking. Prepare easy-to-cook meals or use camping stoves that run on gas. Make sure to read the safety instructions before using them.
Points of Invincibility
In Ukraine, Points of Invincibility (Пункти Незламності) are temporary centers established by the authorities to provide essential services during periods of prolonged blackouts. At these safe havens you can expect to have access to heat, electricity, and the Internet. You can look for the closest Points of Invincibility on the online map (available in Ukrainian), except for those near combat zones (Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions).
Additionally, there are many coworking spaces and media centers, where journalists can work with stable Internet and electricity.
Tips for working during blackouts
- Have flashlights, USB-powered lamps, or candles for comfortable work in the dark;
- Save energy on your laptop. Lower the screen brightness and set the most energy-efficient power consumption;
- Don't forget to charge your laptop and other devices you need to work on time. Buy a power bank or portable power station;
- If you come to Ukraine for a long time, find an internet provider that offers internet access in the case of a power outage.
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