DTEK’s power distribution business, DTEK Grids, has won a 2026 Environment+Energy Leader Award for resilience, recognising its work to keep electricity on, restore damaged networks and implement new solutions during the full-scale invasion. The awards honour energy companies worldwide for leadership in energy management, environmental efficiency and sustainability.
Since the beginning of the invasion, DTEK Grids’ distribution system operators (DSOs) have repaired more than 11,000 damaged energy facilities across Kyiv City, Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro and Donetsk regions. In total, energy workers have restored power over 42.3 million times to Ukrainian homes and businesses left without power after repeated attacks.
Around 1,000 repair crews work every day to bring power back. Keeping them safe is a top priority. Teams are equipped with bulletproof vests, tactical first-aid kits and first-aid training. All repair work is coordinated with the military and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
Customers can access support 24/7 through digital self-service channels, including DSO websites, Viber and Telegram chatbots.
Despite the war, DTEK Grids continues to build sustainability into daily operations. One long-running initiative focuses on protecting wildlife. Over the past four years, energy workers have installed 800 stork nesting platforms on power poles.
In rebuilding damaged infrastructure, DTEK Grids follows a “build back better” approach. This includes the “Grids of the Future” project, which uses Smart Grid technologies to make networks stronger, more flexible and more reliable.
“Resilience for us is not only about the ability to restore networks after attacks. It is about responsibility to people, customer trust, and consistent long-term work even in the most difficult conditions. We are building a culture where safety is an absolute priority, and every decision is carefully considered and responsible,” said Alina Bondarenko, CEO of DTEK Grids.
One of the award judges commented: “DTEK Grids is operating under conditions that no other entrant in this program is likely facing; active military conflict, sustained missile and drone strikes targeting energy infrastructure, occupation of parts of its service territory, and the daily reality of air-raid alerts for 14,000 employees. The fact that this company has not only continued to function but has actively advanced modernisation, customer service innovation, and ESG commitments during a full-scale war is extraordinary. The entry tells this story with restraint and clarity, which makes it more powerful.”
Now in its 14th year, the Environment+Energy Leader Awards recognise products, projects, startups and organisational initiatives that deliver meaningful advancements in environmental programs, sustainability and energy management. Entries are evaluated by an independent panel of industry experts, with a focus on innovation, scalability and measurable impact. Winners are recognised as leaders in advancing best practices and setting new standards across the global energy and environmental landscape.
