Preparing for the autumn – winter period requires critical infrastructure to be ready to operate under various scenarios. Given the risk of prolonged power outages, it is crucial for communities to identify priority facilities in advance, assess their electricity and heating needs, test backup power solutions, and plan operations for extended blackouts.
The GoLOCAL team works to enhance the energy resilience of Ukraine’s regions by drawing on our experience in implementing energy projects and collaborating with international partners. Our experts have outlined 5 practical steps to focus on when preparing for the upcoming autumn – winter season.
1. Start by Assessing Critical Needs
Identify facilities that must remain operational even during extended blackouts: hospitals, boiler houses, water utilities, wastewater treatment plants, and other critical infrastructure. For each facility, assess the minimal critical load, available backup power sources, and operational autonomy time.
This approach helps to move beyond simply purchasing equipment, allowing communities to select tailored solutions based on the actual needs of each specific site.
2. Test Backup Power Systems Before the Cold Sets In
Having a generator on the balance sheet does not automatically mean being ready for an emergency. It is essential to conduct test runs under load, inspect the technical condition of the equipment, check automatic transfer switches (ATS), verify fuel reserves, and designate responsible personnel.
For critical facilities, it is equally important to plan an alternative backup scenario in advance in case the primary emergency power source fails.
3. Combine Power Generation with Energy Storage
Solar power plants, cogeneration units, energy storage systems, and other distributed generation solutions can significantly reduce the dependence of critical infrastructure on the centralized power grid. Developing decentralized generation remains one of the key strategies for strengthening local energy resilience today.
At the same time, the equipment configuration must be determined individually for each site, taking into account its consumption profile, critical load, and required duration of autonomous operation.
4. Implement Energy Management and Energy Efficiency Measures
Energy management provides full visibility into the actual energy consumption of municipal buildings and utilities, helping to identify the most energy – intensive facilities and pinpoint savings potential. This enables data – driven decision – making rather than relying on assumptions.
Before the cold weather arrives, communities should also review heating system settings, inspect buildings and equipment, and prioritize immediate measures to eliminate unnecessary energy waste.
5. Set Up Temporary Shelter Facilities for Extended Outages
Invincibility Centers (Point of Invincibility), where citizens can warm up, charge devices, and access communication networks, remain a crucial part of winter preparedness. However, during multi – day outages, their functionality may not be enough. Communities should establish temporary shelter facilities where people can eat, rest, sleep, and access basic sanitation services.
Such locations should be designated well in advance using buildings with adequate floor area and infrastructure. It is essential to equip them with autonomous power and heating supplies, drinking water and food stocks, and sleeping arrangements. Special attention must be paid to accessibility for persons with disabilities, elderly residents, and families with children.
Residents need to know in advance where these facilities are located, how to reach them, and what services are available there.
6. Prepare Projects for External Funding in Advance
When applying for international partner support, having a general request is not enough – communities must present solid baseline technical data: facility specifications, load profiles, required capacities, expected outcomes, and preliminary cost estimates.
The clearer a community understands and justifies its needs, the easier it is to transition from a generic request for equipment to a well – prepared, bankable energy project.
Energy autonomy for communities is the foundation of our collective resilience this winter.
Save these recommendations and share this post with community representatives who are currently preparing for the autumn – winter period.
