Tensions are rising, but tariffs are still holding up

April brought news to Ukrainian consumers that should change the way they think about electricity supply: From now on, the nominal voltage in the grid will be 230 volts instead of 220. This decision was made by the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission as part of the gradual harmonization with European standards. Odesa has withstood a massive air attack, news about officials' declarations continues, but cultural life has not stopped.

Highlight of the week

In mid-April, the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) adopted Resolution No. 550, which provides for a change in the level of the standard rated voltage in the end-user network from 220 to 230 volts.

The National Commission made this decision as part of Ukraine's European integration course. One of the key innovations is the establishment of clear limits for the permissible voltage deviation: 207 to 253 volts, which is ±10% of the nominal value of 230 volts.

The regulator believes that these changes will have a positive impact on the quality of electricity supply. This change is expected to make the light more stable, the bulbs stop flashing, and the wiring will heat up less, which will increase the overall safety of electricity use.

The NEURC assured that the change in voltage level does not pose a threat to household appliances, as most of our electrical appliances are imported from Europe, and European countries have long since switched to the 230-volt voltage standard.

The NEURC representatives insist that the changes will not affect electricity tariffs in any way. There may be changes in tariffs, but for other reasons.

Enemy attacks

Photo: Intent

• On April 27, at night, the armed forces of the Russian Federation attacked Odesa region with attack drones. In Odesa district, a three-story residential building and cars were damaged. A 35-year-old local resident was injured and hospitalized.
• On the night of May 1, Russians launched a massive attack on Odesa. The air alert in Odesa region lasted from 23:12 on April 30 to 00:38 on May 1.
• Two people were killed and 15 others were injured.
• The press service of Ukrzaliznytsia reported that a railroad worker was killed in his own home during the attack in Odesa, and that one of the railroad's sections was damaged.
• High-rise buildings, private homes, a supermarket, a school, and cars were damaged. Fires broke out in some places.
• Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov reported that a school was slightly damaged.

Analysis of officials' declarations continues to surprise

Photo: Dmytro Verbytskyi/Facebook

• Former Deputy Prosecutor General of Ukraine Dmytro Verbytskyi was found guilty of illicit enrichment and entering false information in his declaration.
• The NACP found that the former official had acquired property worth more than UAH 30 million without confirmed sources of income.
• In addition, the agency found false data in Verbytskyi's 2023 declaration with a discrepancy of more than UAH 2.3 million, which may be grounds for criminal liability.
• The Ivanivskyi District Court of Odesa Region recognized the plea agreement on declaring false information entered into by Petro Myronets, a deputy of the Konoplyanskyi village council of Berezivskyi district, with the prosecutor.
• When filling out his 2022 declaration, the deputy failed to indicate a number of real estate objects.
• The Frunzivskyi District Court of Odesa Region sentenced Liubov Kozhukharenko, an ophthalmologist at the Zakhariv Multidisciplinary Hospital, to a fine of 68,000 UAH, with deprivation of the right to hold positions or engage in activities related to the performance of state or local government functions for a period of one year.
• The woman is a member of the military medical commission and in 2023 became the owner of 10 apartments and four non-residential premises totaling UAH 10 million 638.6 thousand, and also concealed a land plot she purchased in 2022 worth UAH 433 thousand 136.
• In January and February 2025, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine paid 191.1 thousand hryvnias to MPs elected to defend the interests of Odesa region as compensation for the cost of renting a house or renting a hotel room.
• Among those who received the compensation are millionaires Mykola Skoryk, Oleksandr Tkachenko and Oleh Kolev.

"We must all be warriors, each in his place," Svyatoslav Vakarchuk

Photo: Intent/Natalia Dovbysh

The Odesa Academic Music and Drama Theater named after V. Vasylko hosted a presentation of the book "Ocean of Elsa. 30 years in photos and memories".

The event was attended by the leader of "Okean Elzy" Svyatoslav Vakarchuk. He shared his memories of the band's career, answered questions from the guests and spoke to the audience.

According to the musician, the main thing now is to be as effective as possible and support the Ukrainian army. Someone is at the front, someone is in the back, working, teaching children, creating jobs or just paying taxes. And he, for his part, regularly travels to the front line to give performances to raise the morale of the soldiers. He also holds concerts to raise funds for the military.

Ігор Льов