Key Highlights
- Widespread Preparedness: An overwhelming 80% of Ukrainian businesses have secured independent power sources ahead of potential grid disruptions.
- Shifting Strategies: There is a notable pivot from traditional generators to more diverse “alternative power sources,” which saw a 13 percentage point increase in adoption.
- Pervasive Pessimism: Despite this readiness, the overall business sentiment has declined, with negative expectations continuing to dominate, especially among exporters.
- Reduced Consumption Cuts: Only 7% of companies plan to reduce their power consumption, a figure half of what it was a year ago, indicating a move towards energy independence over conservation.
Businesses Brace for “Dark Times”
A recent survey reveals a stark duality in Ukraine’s business landscape: while companies demonstrate remarkable resilience in preparing for power outages, a cloud of economic uncertainty looms large. According to the October 2025 “Barometer of Business” survey by the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a commanding 80% of entrepreneurs are now equipped with backup power, readying themselves for what they anticipate could be a difficult period.
“Ukrainian business is ready for dark times. 80% of surveyed entrepreneurs have secured power sources for outages,” the Chamber of Commerce stated.
A Shift in Power Strategy
The data indicates a strategic evolution in how businesses are achieving energy independence. While a majority (56%) still rely on generators, this figure has dipped by 3 percentage points since November 2024. The most significant change is the surge in businesses adopting other “alternative power sources,” which jumped by 13 percentage points to encompass 19% of respondents. Another 5% have established fully autonomous power systems.
This proactive approach means fewer companies are simply planning to cut back. The share of businesses aiming to reduce consumption has been halved compared to the previous year, dropping from 14% to just 7%.
Underlying Economic Concerns Persist
Despite the high level of preparedness for blackouts, the broader economic outlook remains grim. The overall “Barometer of Business” index fell in October, staying firmly in the zone of negative expectations. This suggests that while businesses can control their power supply, they cannot insulate themselves from wider economic headwinds.
Sector-Specific Sentiments
The pessimism is not evenly distributed across all industries. The construction sector showed a slight inclination towards positive expectations, but even this trend is reportedly weakening. Meanwhile, negative forecasts dominate the manufacturing, services, and trade sectors.
The report specifically notes that exporters hold a more pessimistic view than the business community at large, likely due to external factors and logistical challenges impacting their operations. The prevailing forecast remains one of caution, as businesses continue to adapt to a challenging environment by optimizing costs and securing their infrastructure.
Image Referance: https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/ukrainian-businesses-ready-for-power-outages-in-october-2025-survey/