PM: Estonia's switch to European electricity network to go unnoticed for consumers

  • 2025-01-23
  • BNS/TBT Staff

TALLINN - According to Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Estonia's decoupling from the Russian power grid and connecting to the European grid should take place without the consumer noticing, but there are contingency plans in place just in case.

It is a general rule that those who are prepared are always likely to see fewer emergencies happening, Michal said at the government press conference on Thursday.

"It is the same with desynchronization. Estonia has put synchronous compensators on standby to maintain frequency, set up new connections and developed contingency plans and their back-up plans. As those in the know say, the transition will go on without the consumer noticing," the premier said.

The only risk, according to the head of government, is if Estonia falls victim to hybrid activities at some point.

"In such a case, there could be problems," he said. "Being prepared is also appropriate at other times. We acknowledge that power outages can occur due to any other power system event. Energy experts estimate that unless we are actually attacked, it is very likely that everything will go so smoothly that no one will even notice."

Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets added that residents need to know what the possible scenarios are and how to act.

"Preparedness has to be created beforehand. If it happens that there is no electricity at home and mobile phones don't not work, communication may not be possible. Therefore, this communication and preventive action needs to be done beforehand," Läänemets said.

Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa Pakosta meanwhile said that preparedness was in place to deploy generators.