Energy Club Appeals to Authorities Regarding Critical Challenges for DSO Vehicles Under New Regulatory Requirements

12.05.2025

Energy Club, the largest business community of energy companies in Ukraine, has sent an appeal to relevant state authorities regarding the urgent need to review new regulatory requirements for vehicles used by Distribution System Operators (DSOs). This initiative follows a thorough discussion held on May 8, 2025, during the Energy Freedom talk show, which focused on the challenges and search for solutions related to the Order of the Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine No. 1432 dated December 6, 2024.

The aforementioned order mandates the use of tachographs on trucks with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tons. However, Energy Club’s appeal emphasizes that the lack of allocated funding for tachograph installation in the 2025 Investment Program poses a critical threat to the stable operation of DSOs. These enterprises are vital critical energy infrastructure facilities that perform daily restoration and repair works after enemy shelling, operating under full-scale aggression and an acute shortage of financial resources.

Key issues raised in the appeal include:

• Alternative Control Methods: Energy Club proposes considering the use of individual driver logbooks or driver shift schedules as a temporary or permanent alternative to tachographs under current conditions. The appeal highlights the advantages and disadvantages of such methods for DSOs, considering their specific operational activities.
• Funding and Support: One of the central points of the appeal is the search for funding sources to cover the costs of tachograph installation for DSOs. The Club raises the question of potentially amending the 2025 Investment Program to include these expenses and calls for the development of additional financial resources and support mechanisms to help DSOs comply with the new requirements during martial law.
• Regulatory Changes: Energy Club substantiates the necessity of amending the Order of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Ukraine No. 340 dated June 7, 2010 (as amended by the Order of the Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine No. 1432 dated December 6, 2024). The appeal outlines concrete proposals that would ensure the effective operation of DSOs without creating excessive financial and administrative burdens, taking into account the specifics of their activities in supporting the country’s vital infrastructure during wartime.

Energy Club anticipates a constructive dialogue with representatives of relevant ministries and departments, Members of Parliament of Ukraine, and experts. The appeal aims to jointly develop solutions that will ensure the stable and uninterrupted operation of Distribution System Operators, which is crucial for Ukraine’s energy security.

Energy Club will continue to actively advocate for the interests of its members and foster a favorable environment for the functioning of Ukraine’s energy sector during this challenging period.