Business without power outlets: how Ukraine is learning to work during power cuts and why cash is coming to the rescue again?

Mass power outages are changing the usual rhythm of life and business operations throughout Ukraine. Shops, pharmacies, banks, and services are adapting to autonomous operation, but even generators have their limitations, which customers are feeling. Learn more about how key services work during blackouts, where disruptions can occur, and why cash is becoming necessary again

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For several months now, Ukraine's energy system has been operating under constant load due to massive attacks on critical infrastructure. As RBC-Ukraine reports in its recent study, prolonged power outages have forced businesses to switch en masse to backup power sources — generators and battery systems.

What does this mean for buyers, customers and services, why even working generators can experience pauses in operation, where it is worth having cash on hand, and which services remain available — we will discuss this further in the article.

Generators are not eternal: why are businesses forced to take breaks?

Operating on autonomous power has its limits. Generators, especially domestic and medium-power ones, are not designed for continuous operation for 10-12 hours a day. That is why technical stoppages have become the new norm for shops, pharmacies and service points.

Small petrol generators usually run for several hours at a time, after which they require a mandatory break. Powerful diesel models last longer, but also require cooling, refuelling and maintenance. At these times, establishments may temporarily close to protect equipment from overheating and breakdowns.

The most difficult situation is observed in large cities and regions with high consumption: Kyiv and the surrounding area, Odesa, Dnipro and Kharkiv.

How to choose a charging station for your apartment during mass power outages — we explain here.

Shops and pharmacies: open, but with adjustments

Most large retail chains and pharmacies have their own generators, so they continue to serve customers even without a centralised power supply. At the same time, you should be prepared for short interruptions in service, usually lasting 15-60 minutes.

Payment by bank card is generally available, but there is a key risk here — unstable mobile communications and internet. Even with a working generator, terminals may freeze and online orders may not be processed by the system. Therefore, cashiers and operators are increasingly advising customers to have an alternative in the form of cash.

Some shopping centres and supermarkets are additionally opening emergency centres. There, you can recharge your phone, warm up or use Wi-Fi.

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Post office: different scenarios for different operators

The operation of postal services during outages depends on the technological solutions of the specific operator.

Private delivery services have been able to maintain almost complete autonomy thanks to internal mobile solutions. Even in the absence of electricity, employees can see the status of shipments and deliver parcels.

In contrast, state-owned branches often switch to paper mode when there is no power. In such cases, payment is only possible in cash, and a paper passport may be required to receive or send items. This is another reason why physical documents and banknotes are returning to everyday use.

How freelancers can prepare for power outages in 2026 — read the link.

Banks and Power Banking: the financial system holds steady

After the experience of previous blackouts, the banking system prepared in advance for prolonged outages. Ukraine has a Power Banking network — thousands of branches equipped with backup power sources, internet, and autonomous workstations.

In most of these branches, customers can receive a full range of services even without electricity. The only restriction is air raid alerts, during which branches are closed for safety reasons.

Petrol stations and catering establishments: fuel is available, but not everything is working

Petrol stations remain one of the most stable segments. Fuel is available, petrol station shops are open, and hot drinks and basic services are available. At the same time, electric car owners should bear in mind that charging stations for cars are usually not connected to generators and do not function during power cuts.

Catering establishments have also adapted to autonomous operation, but are forced to close during air raid alerts. This rule applies regardless of the availability of a generator.

How to insulate your flat cheaply in winter and keep it warm without heating — we explain here.

How much does autonomy cost and who pays for it?

Electricity generated by a generator is significantly more expensive for businesses than electricity from the grid. Fuel, maintenance, repairs and logistics make the cost several times higher than standard tariffs.

These costs are already included in the final prices of goods and services. In fact, autonomous operation has become part of the wartime economy, where stability is expensive but allows access to basic services to be maintained.

When planning purchases, trips or visits to services during power outages, it is worth considering a few simple things: possible technical pauses, communication interruptions and payment restrictions. Having cash on hand and paper documents can save you time and stress.

Planning a trip to Ukraine?

In the context of military risks and unstable infrastructure, it is especially important to take care of safety in advance. The Visit Ukraine portal offers insurance for travel to Ukraine with coverage for military risks — reliable protection in case of unforeseen situations.

Travel responsibly and with confidence — get an insurance policy from Visit Ukraine before your trip!

Reminder! Starting this month, new rules for booking, salary supplements, IDP payments, restrictions in the ‘єОселя’ programme, the launch of 5G and many other important changes will come into effect. What will change in Ukraine from 1 February 2026 — find out more at the link.

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