Smolenskenergo spent 11 million rubles to clear ROWs along power lines in the first half year

IDGC of Centre — Smolenskenergo division continues clearing ROWs along power lines. The results of the first half of the year were summed up: during the period Smolensk power engineers cleared off 1050.25 hectares of trees and shrubs along 6-110 kV overhead lines, representing 31.45% of the annual plan. In total in 2012 it is scheduled to clear 3339.52 hectares of ROWs, which is more than 2 times the amount in 2011.

“Work on clearing and expansion of ROWs along power lines is taking place in order to increase the reliability of electrical networks in IDGC of Centre — Smolenskenergo division. The bulk of the clearing will occur in July-September, — explained Deputy Chief Engineer — Head of production assets management center Oleg Shirokov. — For manual cutting the branch is now equipped with chainsaws and brush cutters ‘Husqvarna’ and ‘STIHL’. They are much easier to domestic counterparts, easy to operate, reliable, and do not require great physical exertion, thus can significantly increase the productivity of labour.”

Along with clearing ROWs by hand Smolenskenergo uses a mechanized way (bulldozers). They also are cutting single trees, threatening to fall on the wire of power lines. In the first half 757 such trees were cut down.

The branch spent about 11 million rubles on the activities on clearing ROWs in the first two quarters of 2012. As a result of these works Smolenskenergo plans to improve the quality of power supply in the Smolensk region and prepare the power complex for accident-free operation during the autumn-winter 2012-2013. In the third quarter the ROW clearing will continue.