Popenko: Ukrainian utility sector critically lacks electricians, plumbers and other specialists.

Critical staffing situation in Ukraine's energy and utility sectors

A critical staffing situation has developed in Ukraine’s energy and utility sectors, with staffing gaps reaching 60%. This was reported by the head of the Consumer Union of Utility Services, Oleh Popenko, on the broadcast of Day.LIVE.

According to him, the situation has significantly worsened compared to 2019, when the staffing deficit was 40%. The shortage of electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and janitors is particularly acute.

"If we remove from energy companies those who can be reserved, tomorrow there will be no one to perform major repairs and restore equipment after Russian shelling", emphasized Popenko.

The expert noted that in the past year, several hundred utility workers have died. Meanwhile, the average electrician's salary at Ukrenergo is only 14,000 hryvnias, while the management receives bonuses ranging from 20 to 200 million.

Popenko also stressed that over the past 10 years, the state has not adequately focused on training young specialists for the industry.

It was previously reported that the heating season is in question: Popenko revealed what was hidden from Ukrainians.