76% of companies reported that lasting power outages affect their operations – new survey by the Deloitte Ukraine and American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine

76% of companies reported that lasting power outages affect their operations. A remarkable 88% of companies indicated that they are prepared for power outages, with almost all of them (94%) either having a continuity plan or developing one.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine and AmCham member company Deloitte Ukraine present the results of the Business Survey: Winter Resilience Strategy 2024-2025.

The survey gathered the insights of AmCham member companies on their plans and strategies to overcome the challenges caused by blackouts. The survey information provides insights that can help identify the challenges that businesses face, approaches to address them, as well as the support measures that businesses may need in anticipation of the 2024-2025 winter period.

139 CEOs and top managers of AmCham member companies took part in the survey, conducted on July 22 – August 22, 2024. 58% of the respondents are CEOs.

One-third of the companies can independently ensure electricity supply for 24 hours or more in the absence of a centralized electricity supply, demonstrating a high level of preparedness. Generators are the most common power source, as 86% of companies use them during blackouts. However, 40% of these businesses diversify their power sources by combining generator power with solar panels or gas installation capacities.

The most significant impact of lasting power outages reported by nearly two-thirds of respondents (62%) is increased financial costs for the purchase of fuel, generators, etc. Most businesses defined the high cost of backup equipment (73%) and insufficient number of backup energy sources (58%) as the key challenges in maintaining business energy resilience.

Sales (35%), production (32%), and IT (27%) are the functions affected the most during the lasting power outages.

Only 22% of respondents implemented changes to their operational/production processes by suspending, outsourcing, or relocating them in response to power outages.

69% of respondents consider financial support programs for the installation of backup power supplies and/or additional generation to be the key measures to support their businesses. Also, companies reported that they would benefit from regulatory changes to simplify the implementation of independent energy projects (53%), as well as tax relief and tax deferral programs (46%).

Olena Boichenko, Partner, Consulting Department, Deloitte Ukraine, said:

Long-lasting power outages critically disrupt the productive capacity of companies across various sectors, significantly affecting sales, production, IT, and other key functions. To address these challenges, businesses urgently need not only a reliable power supply but also skilled personnel and expert guidance. Globally reaching consulting firms can support by helping businesses develop sustainability strategies, offering targeted training for employees, and coordinating with donors and government to secure essential resources. With their insights, companies can better navigate disruptions and ensure continuity.

Tetyana Prokopchuk, AmCham Ukraine Vice President, said:

76% of our members indicated that their operations are affected by lasting power outages. Nevertheless, companies are showing incredible resilience and getting ready for the winter period, with 94% either having a continuity plan or developing one. We will continue to support our members and work with responsible stakeholders and partners to address issues related to power outages.

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About Deloitte Ukraine:
Deloitte is a leading global provider of audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax, and related services. Deloitte is the world’s largest professional services company with global revenues of $ 64.9 billion in the fiscal year 2023.

Our network of member firms in more than 150 countries and territories serves four out of five Fortune Global® companies. Deloitte’s approximately 457,000 professionals are committed to making an impact that matters.

About AmCham Ukraine:
The American Chamber of Commerce is Ukraine's most influential international business association that has been serving 600+ members in Ukraine since 1992, delivering the shared voice of US, international, and Ukrainian companies, who invested over $50 billion in Ukraine and remain committed to the country. For more information, please visit AmCham's website.

To learn more, please visit the Deloitte website.