December 22 — Power Engineering Day in Russia: history, traditions, congratulations

Every year on December 22, Russia celebrates the Day of the Power Engineer, a professional holiday of specialists who provide the country with heat and light. In 2025, it falls on a Monday. Izvestia tells about the history and traditions of the celebration, as well as shares interesting facts about the Russian energy industry.

Energetika Day in 2025 — the history of the holiday

Energetika Day was established in 1966 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR to highlight the contribution of energy industry specialists to the development of the country. The date of the celebration was not chosen by chance — on December 22, 1920, the State Electrification Plan of Russia, also known as the GOELRO plan, was adopted. This event is considered a starting point in the history of the Russian energy industry.

The Soviet specialists brilliantly coped with the task. By 1925, the level of electricity production in the country surpassed the figures before the First World War, and 10 years later the USSR took the third place in the world in terms of electrification.

In the 1980s, it was decided to move Energy Day to the third Sunday in December, so that the holiday would always fall on a weekend. However, the innovation did not catch on, and many industry representatives continued to celebrate "the old way." Therefore, in 2015, the Russian government returned a fixed date for the celebration — December 22.

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The date of December 22 also has a symbolic meaning, since at this time the winter solstice begins in the Northern Hemisphere — the longest night of the year. It is on such evenings that the work of energy industry workers is especially appreciated. Thanks to them, lights are on and heat is maintained in the homes of millions of Russians.

Today, the unified energy system of Russia unites 75 regional energy systems. They, in turn, form seven large associations: the East, Siberia, the Urals, the Middle Volga, the South, the Center and the Northwest. All systems are connected by high-voltage power transmission lines and operate synchronously. As of January 1, 2025, the total installed capacity of Russian power plants was 269.1 thousand MW.

Energy Industry Day traditions in Russia

On the Day of the Power Engineer, celebrations are held throughout the country in honor of energy industry specialists. The enterprises organize professional competitions and thematic exhibitions, as well as festive concerts. The management awards distinguished employees and summarizes the results of the year.

In St. Petersburg, employees of heat supply organizations have a special tradition. They lay flowers at the monument to engineer Leonty Ginter in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. Thanks to the efforts of this heating engineer, centralized hot water supply appeared in the Northern Capital for the first time. This gesture symbolizes the connection of generations in the profession.

Congratulations on the Day of the Power Engineer in 2025

All employees and veterans of the energy industry receive congratulations on the holiday. Most often, specialists are wished career success, strength to complete difficult tasks and personal happiness. Here are some examples of wishes for the culprits of the celebration:

"Dear power engineers! On your professional holiday, we sincerely thank you for your hard work, which is invisible only until the moment when the lights are on and there is warmth in the house. May your networks always be stable, accidents are only during exercises, and work schedules leave time for relaxation with loved ones. We wish you good health, an inexhaustible supply of strength to solve the most difficult tasks, and may your personal "energy source" never run out. Thanks for the light!"

"Happy Energy Day! You are the masters of current and heat, thanks to which cities live and factories work. We wish that your work always brings satisfaction, that your plans come true, and that comfort, support, and the pride of your family await you at home. May harmony and prosperity reign in your families, and professional success open up new horizons. Thank you for your responsibility and dedication!"

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The Russian President also noted cooperation in the field of military-technical cooperation and the growth of tourist flow between the countries.

"We cordially congratulate all those involved on the Day of the Power Engineer! Let there be fewer unforeseen situations in your workdays, and there is always a right and safe way to solve problems. I wish you good health, bright and joyful days full of energy for new achievements, and personal happiness!"

"Dear employees of the energy industry! On this day, we would like to express our special gratitude to you. You are the guardian of our daily well—being, and your work is the foundation of modern life. We wish that a friendly atmosphere always prevails in your teams, and understanding and tranquility at home. May life be bright, the prospects are clear, and luck accompanies you in all your endeavors!"

"Happy Energy Day! Your profession requires not only knowledge, but also special mental fortitude, because you bring warmth to every home. We wish you to always be filled with optimism, to feel the sincere gratitude of people and the value of your work. Let your personal "resource" be replenished with vivid impressions, the love of loved ones and confidence in the future. Thank you for the inextinguishable light of your work!"

Interesting facts about Power Engineering Day on December 22

In honor of the holiday, Izvestia has collected some interesting facts about the Russian energy industry.

• Electric street lighting appeared in Russia in 1881. At that time, 100 lamps were installed in Moscow, 24 of which were located near the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Already in 1883, the Kremlin and the bell towers of Ivan the Great were illuminated with electric lamps for the first time. And in 1888, the first stationary DC power plant appeared in the capital.
• In 1874, engineer Fyodor Pirotsky attempted to reduce the cost of transporting electricity using railways. According to his idea, one rail was supposed to serve as a direct wire, and the second was supposed to serve as a reverse wire. The development turned out to be too unsafe to be placed on the streets, but in the 1930s it found application in the subway.
• Every year, on March 23, Russia celebrates the unofficial Day of the Electric Light bulb. The date is associated with the invention of engineer Pavel Yablochkov — on this day in 1876, he patented his device called an "electric candle".

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of the Day of Russian Security Officials.