State and local government of energy transformation in Ukraine in the context of security challenges

The relevance of the research. The transformation of Ukraine’s energy system amid decentralization of state power and growing external challenges highlights the issue of whether existing state management mechanisms meet the new needs of local communities. The transition to a decentralized, sustainable, and energy–efficient energy supply model is accompanied by an increase in the role of local self–government bodies in the management of energy resources, the development of local infrastructure, and the provision of energy security. At the same time, the existing system of public administration is characterized by institutional inconsistency between the state and local levels, fragmented regulatory and legal regulation, limited financial and investment resources of communities, staff shortages, and insufficient technological modernization. The combination of these factors reduces the ability of local communities to effectively participate in the implementation of energy transformation policies and hinders the introduction of innovative models of local energy, which is particularly critical in the context of military threats and the destruction of energy infrastructure.Research methods. Systemic and threat analysis methods, comparative analysis of international experience in cyber protection of energy systems, as well as elements of scenario modeling were used.Results of the work. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the problems of public administration of the transformation of Ukraine’s energy system, with an emphasis on the role and capabilities of local self–government bodies. It examines the impact of decentralization processes on the expansion of communities’ powers in the energy sector and identifies key institutional, regulatory, financial, economic, technological, and human resource constraints that hinder the effective implementation of state energy policy at the local level. It analyzes the problems of coordination between central and local authorities, the imperfection of strategic planning and monitoring, and the insufficient integration of local energy initiatives into national programs. Particular attention is paid to the challenges associated with the development of renewable energy, distributed generation, and the formation of sustainable local energy systems in a crisis environment. Conclusions. The study substantiates the need to develop a comprehensive model of public policy aimed at improving coordination mechanisms, regulatory oversight, financial support, and strengthening the administrative capacity of local communities in the process of transforming Ukraine’s energy system.