On January 27, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) handed over to the city of Kyiv three emergency repair vehicles and one mobile diagnostic laboratory to improve the detection and repair of the city’s heating networks. The vehicles, purchased with $735,000 in USAID funding, will improve Kyivteploenergo’s ability to quickly restore heat to dwellings after unexpected system breakdowns and improve the overall quality of services to residents.
“80% of Kyiv’s heat networks are very worn down due to lack of investment for decades, in their repair and replacement. Therefore, especially during the heating season, we see a lot of accidents”, said Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko. “The assistance provided by USAID will allow Kyivteploenergo to promptly detect and address emergencies in the heating network and improve service quality for Kyiv residents.”
The emergency vehicles are equipped with modern digging, cutting, and welding equipment, as well as a portable generator, power tools, safety equipment, and pipeline sections and valves. The mobile laboratory can non-invasively diagnose which sections of the heating infrastructure are most at risk and require preventative repair.
“These vehicles will increase uninterrupted and reliable service provision to Kyiv’s residents. Reliability, efficiency, and affordability strengthen customer satisfaction, making customers more likely to pay their energy bill on time”, said U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Kristina A. Kvien.
The services the vehicles provide will allow Kyivteploenergo to restore heat supply to customers faster, reduce the time of outages, decreasing losses, reducing operating costs, and improving the quality of heat supply services.
