Despite the fact that the heating season in Ukraine began in October, at the beginning of December the problem with heat supply remains relevant for many regions. In particular, 9% of residential buildings and 6% of socially important facilities, such as hospitals, schools and kindergartens, are still without heat.
According to the State Energy Inspectorate, as of November 22, 84% of boiler plants are operating in Ukraine. Only 12 regions have been fully connected to heat, while in the remaining regions the process continues under the control of local authorities.
Despite progress in connectivity, a number of settlements face significant challenges. The most difficult situation is recorded in:
- In Kryvyi Rih : 934 residential buildings, 11 medical institutions (in particular, city hospital No. 16), 43 educational institutions and the territorial center of social protection remain without heat.
- Pokrovsk (Donetsk region) and Slobozhanskyi (Kharkiv region), where it is still impossible to ensure a stable supply of heat due to the destruction of critical infrastructure and security threats.
In areas located close to the front line, the situation is complicated by constant shelling, destruction of boiler houses and heating networks. Restoration of heat supply here requires significant resources and additional safety measures.
The Ministry of Community and Territorial Development emphasized the importance of promptly solving problems with heat.
"All responsible parties should act as efficiently as possible to solve the problem as soon as possible. Disruption of the heating season is unacceptable, because the lives and health of tens of thousands of people depend on it," the ministry said.
What's next?
To solve the heating problem, the government and local authorities are focusing their efforts on:
- Acceleration of start-up of boiler plants.
- Elimination of damage to thermal networks.
- Provision of alternative heating for residents of the frontline areas.
Despite the difficulties, the situation is improving in many regions. However, a large part of Ukrainians are still waiting for warmth, hoping that winter will not become an additional test for them.
