DTEK energy workers continue providing Odessa region with stable power supply and ask local residents to support their work

Thermal power generation29 March 2022

Since February 24, DTEK Odessa Grids energy workers are defending the energy front line and are doing their best to support Ukraine and Ukrainians in these difficult circumstances. At present time, there are no large-scale blackouts in Odessa. DTEK Odessa Grids COO Dmytro Hryhoriev told this during press conference of representatives of the utility service providers of Odessa and Odessa region.

Every day, DTEK Odessa Grids together with providers of other utility services are doing everything for Odessa and Odessa region to have electricity, communication, gas, water supply and heating. Energy infrastructure of the region is operating stably, thus providing reliable power supply to residents of Odessa and the region.

“Since the beginning of hostilities at the territory of Ukraine, the Company has completely canceled any scheduled power outages and transferred 66 emergency crews to the day-and-night duty. Energy workers monitor grids condition 24/7, as they are ready to repair and restore the grids, damaged by shelling. For instance, on March 1 the Company has promptly restored service to customers in two villages of Odessa region and on March 15 energy workers have restored service to 642 families in two settlements of the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district, left without electricity due to shelling,” – underscored Dmytro Hryhoriev, Chief Operating Officer of DTEK Odessa Grids.

Distribution System Operator works in constant communication with Odessa City Council, Odessa Regional Military Administration and the Armed Forces of Ukraine with regard to ensuring operation of electric infrastructure of the city and the region. Energy workers follow specific guidelines regarding work in critical circumstances and have everything needed to restore operation of equipment in case of damage upon obtaining permits from the Armed Forces of Ukraine and security safeguards for its personnel.

Additionally, in order to ensure safety of customers and employees DTEK Odessa Grids has temporarily suspended operation of all Customer Service Centers in Odessa and Odessa region. However, our specialists are ready to process your applications and answer all questions via remote service channels: DTEK Odessa Grids official pages in Facebook and Instagram, Viber and Telegram chatbots, user account at the DTEK Odessa Grids website. Information is also available via Viber community “ДТЭК info ОЭМ” and IVR menu of the call center.

“Since February 24, 2022 DTEK Odessa Grids employees do not register meter readings. For this reason, we ask our customers to submit meter readings on their own via any suitable company’s remote communication channel to ensure correct billing for consumed electricity,” – highlighted Dmytro Hryhoriev.

The situation in Ukraine remains difficult, but energy workers, just like representatives of other utility service providers, continue doing their jobs. Given what is happening in the country, level of pay for utility services, including electricity distribution, has decreased. Average level of pay for the distribution service in Ukraine is about 30% of the actual charges. This creates additional difficulties. Without payment, Distribution System Operators are unable to procure materials, required for repair of grids, and fuel vehicles to timely eliminate emergencies and conduct repairs.

Payment for electricity is now a contribution of customers in support of the entire energy grid of the Odessa region. This will help the Company continue providing electricity to the region.

DTEK Odessa Grids Chief Operating Officer advised residents of Odessa and Odessa region to use DTEK Odessa Grids official information channels and underscored that the Company continues working 24/7 to ensure reliable power supply of houses and enterprises.