In July 2026, Ukraine exported more electricity than it imported for the first time in the past ten months. Exports for the month reached 232,500 MWh, while imports fell to 175,200 MWh. The trade surplus amounted to 57,200 MWh. This is evidenced by data from the Ex-Im dataset, part of the Energy Map analytical project, as reported by Dengi.ua. 

Compared to June, electricity imports fell by 40.7% at once, while exports rose by 50.5%. This result allowed Ukraine to become a net exporter of electricity once again.

How the Situation Changed Over the Course of the Month

Early July was marked by hot weather, which sustained high demand for electricity due to heavy use of air conditioners. Due to a power shortage, rolling blackouts for residential customers and consumption restrictions for businesses were introduced on July 1.

During the first week of the month, the negative balance of the electricity trade reached 43,300 MWh. Most imports occurred during the evening peak hours, while exports took place primarily at night and in the morning.

On July 3, emergency blackouts were implemented in certain regions, and the daily volume of imports reached 17,300 MWh - the highest figure for the month.

However, once temperatures dropped, electricity consumption declined, reducing the need for imports. Starting July 8, the daily balance turned positive, and from July 11 onward, exports exceeded imports every day until the end of the month.

The highest daily export was recorded on July 31 - 15,200 MWh.

Why Exports Increased

According to analysts, several factors contributed to the increase in exports:

  • a decline in domestic consumption following the end of the heat wave;
  • rising demand for electricity in European countries due to high temperatures;
  • lower prices on the Ukrainian “day-ahead” market compared to neighboring Eastern European countries.

Despite massive Russian attacks on July 2 and 6, which caused localized power outages, energy officials managed to avoid large-scale blackouts and stabilize the power grid.

Where Ukraine Imported Electricity From

Hungary was the largest supplier in July, accounting for 69.2 thousand MWh, or 39.5% of total imports.

Next were:

  • Slovakia — 45,200 MWh (25.8%);
  • Romania — 42,000 MWh (23.9%);
  • Poland — 18.5 thousand MWh (10.6%);
  • Moldova — 0.3 thousand MWh (0.2%).

Compared to June, imports declined across the board. The most significant declines were seen in imports from Moldova (-49.3%), Hungary (-44.9%), Slovakia (-39.2%), and Romania (-38.8%).

On a year-over-year basis, imports decreased by 32%.

Where Ukraine Sold Electricity

Hungary was the main buyer of Ukrainian electricity in July, with 111.5 thousand MWh exported there, accounting for 48% of all shipments.

Electricity was also exported to:

  • Moldova— 68,900 MWh (29.6%);
  • Romania — 38.7 thousand MWh (16.6%);
  • Slovakia — 11,800 MWh (5.1%);
  • Poland — 1,600 MWh (0.7%).

Exports increased across all destinations, with the most significant rise recorded in exports to Slovakia - more than a sixfold increase. In addition, on July 15, Ukraine resumed electricity exports to Poland, which had been suspended back in November 2025.

Despite the growth in July, exports remain 17.6% lower than during the same period last year .

Utilization of Import Capacity

According to Energy Map estimates, the average utilization rate of available cross-border transmission line capacity for imports in July was 11.2%.

The maximum load on the interconnectors was recorded on July 3 and reached 60.4%, while the minimum - just 2.5% - was observed on July 26.