Ukraine possesses significant potential for electricity imports, reaching up to 2.1 GW; however, currently, only one-fifth of this capacity is utilized. According to Kucherenko, this situation is a result of regulatory shortcomings, particularly due to ineffective decisions made by the National Commission for State Regulation in the Energy and Utilities Sectors (NERC).
"We could import 2.1 GW of this capacity, but we are only taking 20% of that at most," Kucherenko noted.
He emphasized that due to the limitations on electricity imports, Ukraine is missing out on approximately 15% of the necessary energy volume. This, in turn, forces the implementation of strict blackout schedules for consumers.
"I believe that due to the lack of decisions regarding imports, we have artificially restricted ourselves, and we have not added 15% to the total consumption in the system," the deputy emphasized.
Kucherenko also pointed out the price restrictions imposed by NERC. In his view, these measures effectively make it impossible for businesses to import, as such activities become economically unviable.
"Businesses will not operate at a loss, no matter what; you can't force anyone," he added.