Iryna Beresnieva: Together with Energy Club We Are Forming a New Energy Culture

Iryna Beresnieva is the General Director of “Tolk Ukraine” company, which is part of the Tolk Group. Currently, the Group includes 8 members and ranks 8th among more than 700 energy suppliers in Ukraine.

About joint initiatives, the value of professional dialogue, and a business community that is forming a new energy culture — in an interview with Iryna Beresnieva.

How long have you been a member of Energy Club and what are the advantages of membership in this community for you?

The Tolk Group of companies has been a member of Energy Club since 2021. We joined this professional community because we saw its potential as a platform for exchanging knowledge, ideas, and addressing urgent issues in the energy market. Among the key advantages of membership is the opportunity to be the first to receive up-to-date information on changes and innovations in the energy sector, protection and management systems, access to professional discussions with experts from various areas of the industry, as well as involvement in forming decisions that affect the future of energy in Ukraine. In today’s conditions, during wartime — this is invaluable.

How relevant and effective are the events organized by Energy Club?

Energy Club events are always very relevant. Team members respond clearly to the challenges of the time: they monitor the situation in the energy market, involve representatives of ministries, regulators, generation companies, suppliers, renewables, and other market participants. This allows for a comprehensive and, most importantly, practical dialogue. Of course, effectiveness cannot always be immediate or one hundred percent, as we live and work in conditions of war and deal with very complex tasks. But the fact that these issues are raised, discussed, and solutions are sought — this is already a step forward.

Are there examples where Energy Club has helped solve certain problems or address important issues?

Yes, we have such examples. One of the most striking is the Memorandum on ethical behavior in the energy sector initiated by the Tolk Group and supported by Energy Club. The Memorandum was joined by 27 companies, and this was an important signal for the market: we choose transparency, respect for the customer, and fair competition. We were also among the first, together with Energy Club, to communicate the concept of an “active consumer” — at a stage when the regulatory framework had just emerged. Separately, I want to mention the discussion of financial PSO (Public Service Obligations) — an extremely complex but important topic. Cooperation with Energy Club in such cases has been and remains effective.

What current challenges need to be discussed on the Energy Club platform?

One of the key challenges is ensuring a balanced, transparent, and sustainable operation of the energy market. Unfortunately, we have many problems in the interaction between its individual segments — in particular, generation, traders, suppliers, and renewable energy participants. Due to imbalance and lack of transparency, the market suffers colossal losses. Therefore, it is very important to continue discussions, look for common approaches to regulation, and build trust and partnership between participants. And it is on platforms like Energy Club that this is possible.

What direction of training do energy market participants need? What could Energy Club organize in the future? And in general, what are your personal impressions of participating in this community?

The educational direction is now no less important than the practical one. In my opinion, market participants need in-depth training on risk management, implementation of innovations, flexible regulation, especially in conditions of energy system transformation. It is also important to develop communication skills — how to interact with clients, government agencies, and international partners. Energy Club could deepen its educational segment and, for example, launch a series of case studies or mentoring programs from experienced market participants.

As for personal impressions — I truly consider Energy Club a valuable and necessary platform for our sector. It’s not just a club of professionals, but a space of trust, openness, and dialogue. And this is how a new energy culture is formed — based on responsibility, integrity, and professional solidarity.