Energy Manager Explains Why Odesa Region Would Not Be Able to Receive Electricity from Transnistria

The supply of electricity to Odesa region from Transnistria is theoretically and technically possible, but in fact it has not been happening for a long time, so it is very problematic to provide power from there to the region.

This opinion was expressed live on the Intent. Insight program by energy manager Vitaliy Savich.

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According to him, the relationship between Ukraine and Moldovan GRES is complicated by the fact that the power plant is owned by the Russian company RAO UES of Russia, and even though Ukraine continues to have certain trade relations with Russia regarding gas transportation, etc., it is unclear who exactly the seekers of assistance should turn to in this case.

"Historically, the Moldovan TPP cannot operate without our Usatove substation, and the latter without the TPP to maintain the 500 Hz frequency, but there has been no power flow there for a very long time. Technically, it is possible, but it hasn't happened for a long time. Who to contact there? I don't understand whether it's a private company or the authorities, but Moldova as a state does not control this power plant, although it receives the lion's share of its own electricity from there," the energy manager said.

Commenting on the situation with the electricity supply in the region, Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa State Administration, said that Odesa region had asked Transnistria for help in providing electricity, but they refused.

As explained to Intent by the OVA, it was the power company that applied to Transnistria, not the regional administration. So Intent turned to the electricity distribution operator DTEK Odesa Power Grids, which explained that it only transports electricity from Ukrenergo's high-voltage substations to customers' homes and has no authority to negotiate electricity exports or imports. They were advised to contact NPC Ukrenergo. NPC Ukrenergo informed the publication that they could not provide any comments on the situation with energy supply because the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine recommended that energy companies refrain from commenting.

Кирило Бойко