Life During Blackouts: Another Winter, Another Challenge
Another winter of blackouts is coming for Ukraine. In my opinion, we’re much better prepared now than we were in 2023. That’s no surprise — Ukrainians have long adapted to maintain normal life during blackouts. To give you a preview, almost my entire apartment is now equipped with autonomous lighting. Even if the power goes out, the lamps will keep running for several hours. What has changed since last winter?
Internet.
Most Ukrainian ISPs that provide fiber-optic internet use PON/GPON technology and guarantee at least 8 hours of uptime during blackouts. The only requirement is that your ONU (Optical Network Unit) has autonomous power.
Previously, I used an old computer UPS modified for a larger battery. But it’s bulky and inefficient by today’s standards. Now I have two DC UPS units powering two independent ONUs from two different providers.
Work PC.
I used to rely on EcoFlow, but honestly, it’s not the best solution for work. EcoFlow comes with a lot of features (like Wi-Fi control and DC/USB outputs) that I don’t need, has a smaller capacity compared to other systems, and doesn’t allow simple battery replacement.
For work, better options exist — with more autonomy for less money. That’s why I chose an inverter from the Ukrainian manufacturer Ukrainian manufacturer LogicPower and German batteries from Redodo. Let’s just say: a Ukrainian manufacturer understands far better what Ukrainians need to maintain normal life during blackouts than a Chinese one:
And German batteries inspire more trust than random ones from Aliexpress. Plus, if you select delivery to Ukraine on the Redodo website, they remove VAT, making the batteries even cheaper.
The LogocPower + Redodo setup turned out so successful that I ordered another one for my wife. It’s the best combination of quality, autonomy, and price I’ve found — probably the best choice for blackouts and other apocalypses.
And what about EcoFlow?
This station has one really cool feature — X-Boost. It allows you to power devices that draw up to twice its rated wattage, for short periods.
This setup allows me to continue essential life during blackouts, using appliances like an electric kettle or microwave.
Boiling water to make food for a neighbor’s baby or using a microwave in the middle of a blackout — that’s priceless.
So now I keep EcoFlow for household needs, not for work.