The heroes, who keep the lights on: energy workers of DTEK Dnipro Grids received awards from the President and from the city authorities of Dnipro

By the Decree of the President of Ukraine, Order of Merit, III degree has been awarded to the senior dispatcher at DTEK Dnipro Grids Valentyn Astafiev for his high professionalism, courage and selfless actions in wartime conditions. During massive attacks on the Dnipropetrovsk region, he ensured safe organization of emergency and restoration activities and prompt restoration of power supply to the settlements. 

Valentyn Astafiev has been working in the energy industry for 37 years. As a senior dispatcher, he manages the emergency response teams, monitors grids operation modes, promptly reacts to damages due to the strikes and organizes backup power supply for the critical infrastructure facilities and communities of the region. Thanks to his professional decisions, energy workers can promptly apply backup circuits and restore electricity to thousands of families. During the system failure in January 2026 in particular, when consumers and critical infrastructure facilities in Dnipro, Samar, Pavlohrad and other communities of the region were energized in time. 

Another eight energy workers received awards from the Dnipro city council. The awards went to electricians, electrical fitters, an engineer and a dispatch center manager. They took active part in restoration of power supply on the Left Bank after the January 10 Shahed strike on the power facility. The destruction was significant: over 50,000 families were left without electricity. Despite the frost, constant air raid alerts and darkness, energy workers were working 24/7 and did everything possible for the residents of the left-bank districts to return to normal life as soon as possible. Thanks to the clear coordination and continuous work of the crews, power supply has been restored as quickly as it was possible. 

Since the beginning of the heating season, there was not a single day without the attacks on the energy infrastructure. Energy workers of the Dnipropetrovsk region are working under extremely difficult conditions: despite danger and cold, they eliminate consequences of the strikes, repair lines and substations, eliminate shortage of capacities and keep the system stable. This is responsible round-the-clock work that ensures electricity supply to the residents of the region despite enemy’s attempts to leave the country without electricity. 

We thank all our colleagues-energy workers for their daily work. You provide electricity to the homes even during the most difficult times.