Ukraine plans no electricity imports from Russia in 2016

"The forecast electricity balance in Ukraine’s united power grid for 2016 provided for the imports of electricity at a Zero level. The similar index is laid in the forecast balance of electricity in UPG for January 2016," reads the statement.

Earlier, Russian media reported that Russia has decided not to renew the contract on electricity supplies to Ukraine, which was purchasing it during 2015 for the sustainable operation of the power grid due to the shortage of coal at the thermal power plants.

In turn, the Energy Ministry explained that ensuring stable operation of Ukraine’s UPG is determined by a number of factors and conditions, including total capacity and capabilities of the UPG; the internal balance of nuclear, hydro-, thermal, electric and other facilities; the availability of spare capacity and the ability to secure peak loads for the smooth operation of the grid (including the availability of fuel at the TPPs).

Read alsoLocal blackouts continue at peak hours in CrimeaAs UNIAN reported earlier, on November 13, 2015, Ukraine suspended the import of Russian electricity due to the completion of repair works on the power unit No.3 of the Rivne nuclear power station and its reconnection to the UPG.

On December 30, 2014, Ukraine and the Russian Federation signed two contracts for the supply of electricity.

Read alsoTASS: Russia will neither sell nor buy electricity from UkraineAccording to the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation, the agreements were signed between Inter RAO and Ukrinterenergo for the export of electricity from the Russian United Power Grid to Ukraine’s UPG. The one-year contract came into force on December 30, 2014, and provided for a uniform schedule of deliveries of up to 1,500 MW. Simultaneously, in order to secure uninterrupted power supply to Crimea, the second agreement was signed - between a subsidiary of Inter RAO (Center for Settlement) and Ukrinterenergo.