In Ukraine, with the onset of October, the air temperature has significantly dropped, accelerating preparations for the heating season in all regions of the country. Local authorities and utility services are quickly completing final tasks to ensure the supply of heat to hospitals, schools, kindergartens, and residential buildings.
This is reported by Finway
Start of the Heating Season: When and Where Heat Has Already Been Supplied
According to current legislation, the heating season in Ukraine officially begins when the average daily temperature does not exceed 8°C for three consecutive days. However, local authorities have the right to turn on heating earlier for socially important institutions if weather conditions require it.
In Kyiv, nearly 90% of residential buildings are ready for the heating period. Decisions on the supply of heat will be made individually, taking into account weather conditions. If the temperature drops earlier than expected, the capital’s administration may start the heating season ahead of schedule.
In the Rivne region, heating was supplied to medical institutions, schools, and kindergartens in the cities of Varash and Zabolottia as early as September 24. The mayor of Varash, Oleksandr Menzula, noted that the issue of heating residential buildings will be addressed by homeowners’ associations and management companies.
In Khmelnytskyi, cultural institutions, hospitals, and educational establishments began heating on September 29, while the residential sector will be connected to the heating system around October 15, provided that low temperatures persist.
In Kherson region, the heating season started on October 1 for facilities with individual heating. Social facilities and residential buildings will be connected when stable cold weather sets in.
In the Khmilnytskyi community of Vinnytsia region, heat was supplied to schools, kindergartens, and lyceums on October 1. The second phase of connection is planned for October 16, when heating will be provided in sports facilities, hospitals, art schools, as well as in residential buildings with individual and centralized heating systems.
In Lviv, heat was supplied to hospitals and kindergartens starting October 2 based on individual requests. Utility services are monitoring the weather forecast and are ready to expand the supply of heat in case of significant cold weather.
In Kyiv, heating for medical institutions, preschool facilities, schools, and other social objects began on October 3. As reported by the mayor of the capital, Vitali Klitschko, connections are made based on individual applications, and decisions regarding residential buildings will be made depending on weather conditions and the state of energy supply.
Challenges of the Heating Season 2025-2026
This year’s heating season is complicated by the security situation in the country due to the full-scale war. Russia regularly attacks critical energy infrastructure, which may create risks of disruptions in heat supply.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated: “Fuel reserves are being prepared, as well as everything necessary for the rapid restoration of capacities and repair of the gas transportation system, in case of heavy shelling of such facilities.”
The head of the board of Naftogaz of Ukraine, Serhiy Koretsky, also warned of the possibility of mass attacks on energy facilities by Russia during the winter period. Shelling may occur both before the start of the heating season and in the midst of the cold, so the government emphasizes the need for preparation for possible emergencies.