The article provides a brief assessment of the current state of power supply units at metallurgical plants and prospects for their future development. The principal power-supply problems of at metallurgical enterprises having their own generation of electric energy are briefly outlined. Inherent possibilities for increasing the stability and efficient operation of electrical equipment in metallurgical units are analyzed. Topical issues concerning reactive power compensation and the need to ensure electromagnetic compatibility of powerful nonlinear loads, including electric arc furnaces and rolling mills, are highlighted.