LLC "Ariteil", which operates the grocery store chain "KOLO", is focusing on energy storage systems as a solution for autonomous power supply, according to CEO Denis Zdorenko in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.
“From our experience, we have found that generators are not the optimal solution for our network due to the store format, most of which are small-sized establishments with limited teams. Therefore, monitoring the operation of generators, refueling, and servicing them—like electricians or technical staff do in larger supermarkets—is physically challenging for our teams. Moreover, we take the comfort of our clients and residents of the residential complexes where "KOLO" stores operate very seriously. Noise and emissions from generators provide another reason to reject such a solution and seek better options for the network,” Zdorenko explained.
He reported that after analysis, a decision was made to experiment with battery energy storage systems. Currently, almost all stores in the network have been equipped with such solutions.
“We purchase battery-type energy storage units of varying capacities, depending on the size of the store, its consumption volumes, the type of equipment operating at the facility, and so on,” Zdorenko clarified.
Another strategic decision made immediately after the first outages was to conduct an audit of the energy consumption of all equipment in the "KOLO" network.
“It was a lengthy and labor-intensive process, but it allowed us to critically assess our energy efficiency practices. The audit convinced us to replace all refrigerators in the network with more modern and energy-efficient equipment, such as display refrigerators. These units store dairy products, delicacies, and similar categories that require constant cooling,” Zdorenko shared.
The network also optimized the number of perishable goods in the dairy and delicacy categories, increased the frequency of deliveries, and aims to provide stores with products that have a longer shelf life (for instance, ultra-pasteurized milk).
“Despite the current challenges, we do not plan to slow down, we are not stopping our network expansion, and we will continue to invest in energy supply and efficiency for our facilities,” he stated.
In 2024, the company opened 21 new stores in the Kyiv and Odesa regions. To date, the company serves over 60,000 guests daily across 246 "KOLO" stores.
LLC "Ariteil" was established in 2017, with a charter capital of 8 million UAH, and the ultimate beneficiary is Gennady Butkevich. According to OpenDataBot, the company generated revenue of 2.4 billion UAH in 2023, with a net loss of 10.1 million UAH.