Ukraine begins importing electricity from Russia

On September 15, Ukraine began importing electricity from Russia, the Ukrainian Ministry of Fuel and Energy told Interfax yesterday. The country can receive up to a limit of 500 MW of electricity. The Ukrainian government made the move to ensure sufficient steam coal in storages at the beginning of 2008/2009 heating season. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Fuel and Energy, the cost of imported electricity from Russia is 12% lower than on the domestic wholesale market.