ECU energy trader developing separate division to help communities with distributed generation – CEO

 JSC Energy Company of Ukraine (ECU) is developing a special division to provide support for the construction of distributed generation in the regions, CEO of the company Vitaliy Butenko has said.

"Now at ECU we are developing a special division that will focus on comprehensive support for the development of distributed generation in the regions (…). Already in January, we are planning meetings with communities to determine a list of common pilot projects for implementation. Having worked them out, we will be able to scale up this model of cooperation at the level of other communities in the country," Butenko said in a blitz interview with Energy Reform portal.

According to him, the ECU team, which cooperates with national and foreign investors, already has significant experience in supporting new energy projects, which can help communities.

"When we analyzed the problems with creating distributed generation in communities that bear key responsibility for critical infrastructure and people, we saw a much greater demand. Not only for support in the commercial part, but for full support of projects, including financial, regulatory and technical aspects," the ECU head said.

Regarding the payment for ECU services, Butenko said such assistance cannot be financially burdensome for communities, but the company's expenses must also be compensated.

"Therefore, we see our task as providing such solutions to communities that will allow them not only to be provided with electricity, but also to receive additional income from the operation of the equipment. When the project earns money for itself, this will cover the operating costs of both parties," Butenko said.

As reported, on December 19, the Energy Company of Ukraine, the SIGRE-Ukraine association, and the Association of Small Towns of Ukraine signed a memorandum of cooperation in developing distributed generation in the regions. In October, ECU's Head Butenko said the company intends to occupy the niche of a state operator of distributed generation to help utilities and cities with its launch and operation.