BALTICS BRACE TO CUT DECADES-OLD TIES TO RUSSIAN GRID – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will disconnect from the IPS/UPS joint network on Saturday
The Baltic states are set to sever ties with Russia’s power grid that date back to the 1950s, and instead integrate further with the European Union, as the suspected sabotage of subsea cables has spurred efforts to strengthen regional security.
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will disconnect from the IPS/UPS joint network early on Saturday (February 8) and, subject to last-minute tests, they will synchronize with the EU’s grid on Sunday (February 9).
The three countries have spent nearly 1.6 billion euros since 2018, largely tapping EU funds, to upgrade their grids to prepare.
Decoupling from Russia makes the Baltics even more reliant on three subsea links with Sweden and Finland.
The Baltic Sea region is on high alert after power cable, telecom links and gas pipeline outages between the Baltics and their neighbours. All were believed to have been caused by ships dragging anchors along the seabed.
Analysts say decoupling from Russia could push power prices to levels not seen since the invasion of Ukraine, when energy prices soared.
Most notably, the NATO military alliance has boosted its presence in the Baltic Sea region with frigates, aircraft, and naval drones.
