Oboz.ua has noted that the company benefiting from favorable terms in the auctions belongs to the family of Tatyana Krupa, who was recently arrested on suspicion of corruption while serving as the head of the Khmelnytskyi MSEC. Additionally, the list of winners includes firms associated with former officials, such as the ex-head of the State Forestry Agency, Kristina Yushkevich, and the former director of "Khmelnytskoblenenergo," Andrey Pilipenko, both of whom have also faced allegations of corrupt activities.
The company "SLAV Group," led by Eduard Bondarenko, also received special conditions. He was previously regarded as the "general director" of the fugitive president Viktor Yanukovych, as highlighted by the publication. Bondarenko held the position of deputy head of the State Automobile Roads Agency by appointment from Prime Minister during Yanukovych's tenure, Nikolai Azarov, and in 2012, he headed the company "Donbasenergo," which, according to reports, was linked to Yanukovych's elder son, Oleksandr.
Additionally, benefits were granted to a company close to former "Naftogaz" head Andrey Kobolev, as well as to the firm of Oleksandr Vizir – a former aide to MP Ihor Kononenko, who is involved in investigations regarding manipulations at state regional energy companies.
Oboz.ua explains that the auctions held in August officially aimed to attract investments in balancing capacities for the stable operation of the energy system, particularly in ensuring rapid reserve. These auxiliary capacities are essential for the balanced functioning of the energy system, as solar and wind power plants depend on weather conditions.
The state compensates a specific power plant for the ability to quickly activate and rapidly increase or decrease electricity production as needed. The auction winners received a five-year contract with "Ukrenergo" in euros, the start of which has been postponed by one year, meaning that the first capacities are expected to be ready for launch only in October 2025. Such terms effectively eliminate risks for business owners and provide state protection against potential losses, the publication reports.