Kherson authorities unable to restart power plant, alternatives sought
Kherson power plant (facebook.com.sergii.koretskyi)
Russian forces are attacking the Kherson combined heat and power (CHP) plant almost daily, making it impossible to restore its operations. Local authorities are now searching for alternative heating solutions for residents, according to Kherson Regional Military Administration head Oleksandr Tolokonnikov.
Ongoing attacks have left 470 CHP-connected apartment buildings without centralized heating.
“We are considering several options so that people will have other ways to heat their homes,” he said.
The official noted that they have already procured electric heaters and will distribute them primarily to vulnerable residents.
Naftogaz has also provided air heaters for residents. Additionally, alternative methods for supplying centralized heat are being developed, but details are not being disclosed for security reasons.
Tolokonnikov added that 45 settlements in the coastal area are still without electricity.
“At this stage, we cannot reconnect them because attacks continue in areas where restoration work has just been completed. We had cases in which strikes affected sites where power workers were working, resulting in on-the-job injuries. Therefore, it is impossible to restore power supply until the security situation allows,” he explained.
Previous shelling of Kherson power plant
Over the past month, Russian forces have heavily attacked the Kherson power plant, using drones, artillery, and other weapons.
The civilian facility that supplied the city with heat has suffered extensive damage, with buildings and equipment at the plant destroyed.
On December 3, Russian troops launched another targeted strike on the Kherson power station.
The attacks continued on December 6, when Russian forces fired about 100 shells at the plant.
On December 17, Russian troops once again intensified attacks on the city’s heat and power infrastructure.
