DTEK Grids earns 2026 E+E Leader Awards for resilience during the war

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the distribution system operators (DSOs) of DTEK Grids have repaired more than 11,000 damaged energy facilities in Kyiv City, Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Donetsk regions. In total, energy workers have carried out over 42.3 million electricity restorations for Ukrainians who were left without power due to enemy attacks.

Every day, around 1,000 repair crews are involved in restoration work. DTEK Grids DSOs ensure the safety of each team — providing bulletproof vests, tactical first-aid kits, first aid training, and mandatory coordination with the military and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.

Specialists provide customer support 24/7through digital self-service channels, including DSO websites and Viber and Telegram chatbots.

Despite the war, DTEK Grids DSOs continue to integrate sustainability principles into their operations. One of the key initiatives remains bird protection — over the past four years, energy workers have installed 800 stork nesting platforms on power poles.

In rebuilding infrastructure, DTEK Grids follow a “build back better” approach and is implementing the “Grids of the Future” project using Smart Grid technologies.

“Resilience for us is not only about the ability to restore networks after attacks. It is about responsibility to people, customer trust, and consistent long-term work even in the most difficult conditions. We are building a culture where safety is an absolute priority, and every decision is carefully considered and responsible,” said Alina Bondarenko, CEO of DTEK Grids.

“DTEK Grids is operating under conditions that no other entrant in this program is likely facing; active military conflict, sustained missile and drone strikes targeting energy infrastructure, occupation of parts of its service territory, and the daily reality of air-raid alerts for 14,000 employees. The fact that this company has not only continued to function but has actively advanced modernisation, customer service innovation, and ESG commitments during a full-scale war is extraordinary. The entry tells this story with restraint and clarity, which makes it more powerful,”  the award judges commented.

Now in its 14th year, the Environment+Energy Leader Awards program recognizes excellence across products, projects, startups and organisational initiatives that deliver meaningful advancements in environmental programs, sustainability, and energy management. Entries are evaluated by an independent panel of industry experts, with a focus on innovation, scalability, and measurable impact. Winners are recognized as leaders in advancing best practices and setting new standards across the global energy and environmental landscape.