«This winter may be more difficult»: how Mykolaiv is preparing for the heating season

The heating season in Mykolaiv, as well as in other frontline cities, may be at risk this year due to the consequences of missile attacks on energy infrastructure. Experts warn that heating facilities, especially in the frontline regions, are under the greatest threat and could be targeted.

The overall situation in the energy sector, including damaged networks, gas shortages and the constant threat of new attacks, adds to the problems. That is why, at his recent State of the Union address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy focused on the readiness of the southern regions, including Mykolaiv and Odesa, for the heating season.

NikVesti talked to the heads of «Mykolaivoblteploenergo» and CHP to find out how the city is preparing for winter, what risks remain and whether the heat generating companies are ready to start the season without disruption.

«We hope the weather will be warm»

Vitalii Kim, Head of Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, said that this year's winter may be more difficult, but he expects that the readiness for the heating season will be about 100%. At the same time, he clarified that the launch of heat supply will be gradual, taking into account the weather, and the legal readiness of the networks is not yet complete because many condominiums and users have not provided all the necessary documentation.

«I hope that the percentage of readiness for the heating season is 100%, but we are pushing through the system and networks that need to be ready to start the heating season. In order to save money, we will try to start the heating season as late as possible, as we understand the difficulties of this year. But legally, many condominiums and users have not yet signed the documents and have not submitted all the necessary documentation to get a signature. Legally, the percentage of readiness is low. We are ready to get started. We are looking at the weather and hope that it will be warm,» said Vitalii Kim.

Vitalii Kim also stressed that before the system is launched, it is «pressurised» to check the condition of the pipelines and avoid accidents like the one that happened two years ago. Last year, there were no such problems because the inspections were carried out in advance.

«I hope that despite the wear and tear on the system, there will be no accidents this year, although we are not immune to this. The pressure has already been checked. The temperature will be supplied gradually, but three days after the average daily temperature required to switch on the heating. Nevertheless, I am appealing to everyone to save money, we will start the heating season on time, but according to the weather. We will not switch it on in advance,» said Vitalii Kim.

«Russia will attack not only heating systems but also gas transportation»

The mayor of Mykolaiv, Oleksandr Sienkevych, also spoke about the city's preparations for the heating season and the work of heating companies. According to him, the networks of the Mykolaiv CHP are being renovated first and foremost, in particular with funding from «Naftogaz». This year, significant work has been done to replace the networks. For the first time in 50 years, new networks have been completely laid on Mariupolska Street, and part of the new networks on Pohranychna Street is already being filled with water and tested for pressure.

Dmitry Myroshnychenko, Head of Mykolaiv CHPP, said that starting from 2022, the plant has abandoned «patching» repairs and is replacing pipelines in large sections.

«All works on Mariupolska and Pavla Skoropadskoho streets are being carried out in accordance with the approved schedule and are necessary to ensure the supply of heat to consumers in the new heating season. Completion is scheduled for 15 October. After the repair work on the heating networks is completed, the road surface will be restored,» he commented.

Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych added that the city will try not to switch on the heating as long as the weather remains warm. According to him, if there is a short-term cold snap and then warming again, residents should not expect the system to start up immediately.

«The state of the networks and the availability of gas today are, let's just say, not in the best condition. Therefore, we need to understand that the situation can be the worst, and we need to prepare for the worst,» said Oleksandr Sienkevych.

What do heat generating companies say?

Mykola Lohvinov, Head of the Utility Company «Mykolaivoblteploenergo», confirmed in a comment to NikVesti that the city is currently more than 90% ready for the start of the heating season, and the remaining work is at the final stage of technological readiness. Therefore, in his opinion, the president's recent address to Mykolaiv and Odesa is most likely not related to technical preparations for the heating season.

«It's 9 October. And no one is interested in preparing for the heating season when it is really necessary to prepare — from April to the present day. And when there is a month left before the season, everyone suddenly remembers: what about our heating? So, this question should be asked since April to understand the real state of affairs. Look, the readiness is over 90%. The remaining works are now at the final technological stage. That is, we are potentially ready. That 's why I don't know why the President said that — he drew attention to Mykolaiv and Odesa, but from our point of view, we are potentially ready,» said Mykola Lohvinov.

In his turn, Dmytro Myroshnychenko, CEO of Mykolaivs CHPP, said that the company's preparations for the 2025 heating season are on schedule and that the readiness is 97%.

Regarding the start of the heating season, Dmytro Myroshnychenko reminded that according to Cabinet of Ministers Resolution №830 of 21 August 2019, district heating is switched on when the average daily temperature drops to +8°C or below for three days. The final decision on the launch is made by the executive committee of the Mykolaiv City Council.

How the billion-dollar debt of Mykolaivoblteploenergo came about

As of the beginning of October, the state owed «Mykolaivoblteploenergo» more than 1.1 billion hryvnias, which is the confirmed amount of the difference in tariffs. The problem is not new and affects most of the country's heat generating companies.

The mechanism of the debt is as follows: since 2021, a memorandum has been in place, according to which tariffs for households are not being raised, and the difference between the economically justified cost of heat and the actual tariff should be compensated to the enterprises by the state or local authorities. In 2022, the Mykolaiv City Council was still reimbursing these funds to Mykolaivobteplolenergo and CHP. However, after the start of the full-scale invasion, the government banned changes to tariffs, and they remained at the pre-war level.

At the same time, all tariff components — electricity, water, repair materials, and taxes — grew along with inflation. Therefore, the economically justified tariff for «Mykolaivoblteploenergo» is currently about 3,600 hryvnias per gigacalorie, while the population pays only 1,999 hryvnias. It is this difference that accumulates the state's debt to the company.

«Today, the state owes us 1 billion 105 million hryvnias. At the same time, the state-owned company «Naftogaz» is suing us and trying to seize our accounts. This is an absurd situation: if we are prohibited from raising the tariff, and the state has undertaken to compensate for the difference, then just fulfil this obligation. Or at least don't let another government agency sue us,» says Mykola Lohvinov, director of «Mykolaivoblteploenergo».

According to him, the state currently owes the company about 400 million hryvnias more than «Mykolaivoblteploenergo» owes Naftogaz «for the gas it consumes. In fact, the director explains, the gas for the upcoming heating season «has already been paid for», but formally the debt is 727 million hryvnias.

«Where can I get 710 million today to pay for gas? Where can I get it from? From what pocket? Our tariff should be economically justified. That means we need to double it anyway. And to make up for the previous years, we need to triple it. And who will pay? The increase should be gradual, in parallel with improving the energy efficiency of buildings. The issue is not the tariff, but how much a person actually pays per square metre. So if you just thoughtlessly raise the tariff, people will not be able to pay, and we will receive large charges, theoretically we will be profitable or at least break even, but in fact there will still be no money. This is a wrong story,» says Mykola Lohvinov.

As a result, the situation with the difference in tariffs creates a vicious circle: the state does not compensate the company for its debt, «Naftogaz» demands payment for gas, and heating companies are forced to prepare for the season without real funds. According to «Mykolaivoblteploenergo», this imbalance is typical for most heat generating companies in Ukraine.

Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych noted that the problem of compensating for the difference in tariffs for «Mykolaivoblteploenergo» remains relevant and is currently being discussed at the state level. According to him, the Association of Ukrainian Cities has already appealed to MPs and the Ministry of Finance to ensure that funds are provided for these costs in the 2026 state budget without raising tariffs for the population.

«This issue has been raised and is being actively discussed today. Now, during the preparation of the state budget for 2026, the Association of Ukrainian Cities has appealed to both MPs and the Ministry of Finance to compensate for this difference in tariffs. We are all preparing for the heating season, and I don't think that the state-owned company «Naftogaz», understanding the situation, will go to the extent of disconnecting heating companies from gas. It would be illogical, and I am convinced that no one will do that,» said Oleksandr Sienkevych.

Mykola Lohvinov said that the start of the heating season will not be affected by the arrest of accounts, and the company will fulfil its obligations and prepare its facilities. The heat will be supplied to the townspeople, but the blocking of funds will complicate the company's work: there will be problems with paying salaries, carrying out repairs, maintaining the system and settlements with related companies.

Preparing heating networks: repairs, replacements and hydraulic tests

This year, both Mykolaiv CHP and Mykolaivoblteploenergo carried out large-scale preparations for the heating season. Both companies focused on replacing worn-out sections of the networks and testing equipment after the end of the last season.

Dmytro Myroshnychenko, director of Mykolaiv CHPP, told NikVesti that a major heating main replacement project is underway on Pohranychna Street. In total, this year the company has renewed about 15 kilometres of networks. The first hydraulic tests were carried out in April, immediately after the end of the 2024/2025 season, and additional tests were carried out in the summer, followed by the repair of the identified defects.

«Last year's start of the heating season showed that timely repairs and well-coordinated work yielded results — the heat supply was organised,» said Dmytro Myroshnychenko.

«Mykolaivoblteploenergo» has also been working actively: this year, more than 5 kilometres of heating networks have been repaired, and since 2016, the company has taken over about 140 kilometres of routes.

«We repair the networks every year. We start with hydraulic tests in April, identify problem areas, and then repair, replace, and lay new pipes. We do our best to avoid accidents in winter,» says Mykola Lohvinov.

At the same time, some heating networks, including those previously owned by «Zoria», have not yet been taken over by the company. These networks date back to the 1950s, so emergencies are possible after they are taken over.

«We have more than 500 kilometres of networks, and it is impossible to completely avoid gusts. However, we respond and repair them promptly,» says Mykola Lohvinov.

Separately, heat generating companies emphasise that the quality of heat supply depends not only on the condition of city networks but also on the preparation of the buildings themselves. Every year in Mykolaiv, the problem of insufficient preparation of condominiums and management companies for the heating season recurs. Many of them do not carry out the necessary work, considering the costs unnecessary.

According to the rules, management companies are required to check hydraulics, flush systems, insulate premises and replace equipment. However, compared to previous years, this year's level of preparation leaves much to be desired.

«This situation is not new — it has been going on for many years. And unfortunately, the city cannot influence it. There is a loophole in the legislation: it is almost impossible to punish management companies or condominiums for not preparing buildings for the heating season. Theoretically, the State Energy Supervision Service or other agencies could do this, but in practice they do not. So, just like every year, we supply heat to the house metering unit. If there is a breakthrough somewhere, we look for it, cut off the supply, and then the management company or condominiums repair their networks. Unfortunately, there is no other mechanism. By the way, we have already started filling the system since 1 October. And I think it is during this process that problem areas will be identified, and then they will begin to repair them,» says Mykola Lohvinov.

The regional heating company emphasises that every year they ask condominiums to be responsible for the preparation of the networks. Flushing and hydraulic testing is not a formality or a whim of heating companies, but a prerequisite for high-quality heat supply. If a building is not prepared, it will inevitably have distortions — some batteries are too hot, and some are barely warm.

«Instructions for preparing networks were created by heating specialists for a reason. If the house is not prepared, it will be hot in some places and cold in others,» adds Mykola Lohvinov.

At the same time, Dmytro Myroshnychenko, director of the Mykolaiv CHP plant, stressed that the preparation of intra-building networks is the responsibility of the balance sheet holders — management companies. Their timely preparation will determine whether residents will be able to receive heat immediately after the system is launched. According to him, the state of readiness of Mykolaiv's housing stock is currently low — only about 5% of buildings have received certificates of readiness for the heating season.

The head of the regional heating company also noted that the work of the staff — welders, fitters and other specialists — is very difficult, as they often work in cold conditions and at night, quickly restoring the systems in case of accidents.

«Most people don't even think about what's behind the battery — the hard work of the people who do it all: welders, fitters, and most of them are not young anymore. And no one thinks that when the heating stops at night, in 10-degree temperatures, these people get up within an hour, come to work and start restoring everything,» added Mykola Lohvinov.

Director of «Mykolaivoblteploenergo» Mykola Lohvinov assured that the company will do everything possible to ensure that all districts of the city receive heat at the start of the heating season:

«We will do our best to ensure that all districts of the city that receive services from the regional heating company have heat at the start of the heating season».

Possible shelling: how Mykolaiv is preparing its heating infrastructure for winter during the war

Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych reminded that last year the Russian army attacked Mykolaiv CHP, destroying its generating capacity. Therefore, this year, a number of measures have been taken to minimise the risks of a similar situation happening again, so that the city's residents will not be left without heat even in the event of new shelling.

At the same time, Oleksandr Sienkevych stressed that the threat of new attacks remains, and not only heating systems but also the gas transmission infrastructure may be under attack.

«Every year during the war, winterisation becomes more complicated. This year, the Russians have already tried to leave us without heat by attacking thermal power plants. Russia is deliberately targeting our energy sector. And now it has started hitting the gas transmission system. These are not military targets, this is just plain terror against civilians. Our companies may be fully prepared, but whether they can get gas depends on the security situation. We are preparing for different scenarios. No one knows exactly what the Russians are planning, what the winter will be like. Conclusions from previous years have been drawn. We will analyse this year in the spring,» he stressed.

In Mykolaiv, 25 points of invincibility have been prepared and approved by the executive committee. According to Deputy Mayor Anatolii Petrov, the city is considering opening several more such locations, as well as setting up separate heating stations with everything you need — heat, water, recharging facilities and even sleeping places.

«We are considering increasing the number of resilience centres and setting up additional warming centres so that people have a place to hide and stay warm in the event of a prolonged power or gas cut. We understand that the situation may be difficult, so it is better to prepare in advance,» said Anatolii Petrov.

The city authorities are preparing for different winter scenarios, as most boiler houses in Mykolaiv are gas-fired, while there are few solid fuel boilers.

To have a backup source of heat, the construction of block-modular boiler houses is underway in Mykolaiv. The government has allocated 1.1 billion hryvnias for the project. In total, the city will receive 18 boiler houses with a total capacity of more than 70 MW, which will provide heat even in the event of a CHPP plant failure.

«Several boilers have already arrived in Mykolaiv. The city has allocated funds for the construction of the foundations, and the connection to the grid is underway. Yes, we are a little behind the original schedule, but we will install some of the boilers on time,» said Vitalii Kim, Head of the RMA.

In addition, «Mykolaivoblteploenergo» will receive 15 cogeneration units with a total capacity of 27.5 MW as part of a World Bank project.

In turn, Vitalii Kim, head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, said that new approaches are being used to protect critical infrastructure in the region this year. According to him, Russian forces have weapons capable of penetrating air defence systems, so the attack on the CHPP was a signal to strengthen the energy defence system.

«We have developed a number of military «tricks» to protect infrastructure. Even this year, we changed our approach. We have created a reserve of transformers and other equipment for quick recovery. We have implemented everything we could think of for civilian protection. This winter may be more difficult,» said Vitalii Kim.

Mykolaiv is preparing for the 2025-2026 heating season: repairs and replacements of networks have been carried out, new boiler houses are being connected, and the staff of heat generating companies are ready to respond to accidents. At the same time, risks remain: the readiness of buildings and networks depends on condominiums and management companies, and debts and account seizures can complicate the work of enterprises.