DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko advises Ukrainians to leave country to reduce load on energy system

Timchenko said this in an interview with the BBC. 

"If they can find an alternative place to stay for another three to four months, it will benefit the system. The damaged energy system is still unable to produce enough electricity to meet current needs, so any way to reduce consumption, including leaving the country, should be seen as helping Ukraine in the war against Russia," Timchenko explained.

He added that reducing household energy consumption will help protect critical facilities from outages. 

"If you consume less, hospitals with wounded soldiers will have guaranteed power supply. This is how it can be explained that by consuming less or leaving, you also help other people," Tkachenko said. 

With temperatures in some parts of Ukraine already below zero, there is concern that millions of people will be left without power and heating throughout the winter.