Electricity consumption in Ukraine (net, excluding losses in power grids) in January-September 2021 amounted to 92.2 billion kWh, which is 6.9% more than in the same period in 2020 (86.2 billion kWh).
“The main reasons [for growth in consumption] are the absence in 2021 of strict quarantine measures to counter the spread of COVID-19, and as a result, an increase in consumption occurred all months, but most of all in March and April – by 11.6% and 12, 4%, respectively,” Ukrenergo said.
In addition, according to it, in July 2021, hotter weather was observed than in July 2020 (23.7° С versus 21.9° С), which led to an increase in consumption by 7.2%.
In general, over the nine months, all consumer groups increased energy consumption, except for agricultural enterprises, which reduced the volume of electricity used by 5.9%.
The largest increase in consumption was among the group of non-industrial consumers (small and medium-sized businesses) – by 18.1%, in construction – by 15% and transport – by 9.4%, due to the absence of strict quarantine restrictions.
In turn, the population increased the volume of electricity used by 5.6%, industry – by 6.7%.
In January-September 2021, energy consumption was increased by all industries, most of all – manufacturers of construction materials (by 17.1%) and machine builders (by 14.1%).
“In addition, it should be noted there was a significant increase in consumption by metallurgical, as well as chemical and petrochemical industries – by 6.5% and 7.1%, respectively,” Ukrenergo said.
According to the company, in the structure of electricity consumption for the nine months of 2021, there was a significant reduction in the share of the population – from 30.9% to 30.5% and a simultaneous increase in the group of non-industrial consumers – from 6.1% to 6.7%, which is also possible attributed to the lack of quarantine this year.
In addition, farmers reduced their share from 3.2% to 2.9%.
The rest of the consumer groups practically did not change their share.