Ukraine’s Winter Energy Fight: Residents Rewire Homes to Beat Blackouts
Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities face up to 20 hours of daily power outages as Russia targets energy infrastructure, but residents and local Condominium Owners Associations (OSBBs) are hardening homes with energy-efficient heating units, rooftop solar stations, and local batteries to keep heat and essential services running. Kyiv supports OSBBs with a 70/30 funding split, enabling upgrades like insulated pipes, new pumps, LED lighting, and balanced batteries that power elevators, internet, and lighting during outages. In parallel, households rely on large battery systems, portable power banks, gas heaters, and fuel-switching to cope, while the broader grid retains functionality thanks to durable CHP plants and high air-defense success against drones and missiles. The result is warmer homes (often above 20°C) and continued operation of transport, services, and commerce despite severe winter attacks and climate conditions.