In Estonia, residents have been advised to stock up because of power outages

Estonian authorities have advised residents to stock up on food and medicines due to possible blackouts as the country leaves the BRELL energy system. Local broadcaster ERR writes about it on February 3, citing a representative of the Estonian Risk Prevention Bureau Kaisa Niilo.

"The most important things are food and water. Water is needed three liters per person per day. Food should be long-lasting food that your family eats. Of course, the food stored should be food that can be consumed immediately, that is, food that does not require prolonged cooking," she said.

In addition, Nyilo noted that medicines are also a basic necessity for citizens. In addition, she advised to stock up on alternative light sources.

On January 30, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Mihal admitted that during the disconnection of the Estonian energy system from Russia in February, the country may lose electricity for 72 hours. On the same day, the ERR news agency reported that the country's residents started buying electric generators en masse because of the upcoming disconnection from BRELL.

The BRELL electric ring is an interconnection of the energy system of Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. In November 2024, the operators of the power systems of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia officially notified Russia and Belarus of their withdrawal from the common BRELL power system by February 8, 2025.

At the time, it was reported that the European Union (EU) would allocate about €1.2 billion for the project, thus covering three-quarters of the total costs. The connection of the Baltic countries' power systems with the continental European Synchronous Area is scheduled for February 9, 2025.