Hotline of power engineering specialists:
Yesterday in the afternoon in the city of Smolensk and parts of the region there was a powerful cyclone, accompanied by strong gusts of wind up to 20 m/s, heavy rain and hail. As a result of the bad weather the power supply in Roslavlsky, Ugransky, Khislavichsky, as well as in Vyazmsky and Shumyachsky districts was interrupted.
In this regard at 10:00 p.m. on August 14 IDGC of Centre - Smolenskenergo division introduced the high alert operation mode and convened headquarters for electrical safety. To minimize the power restoration time Smolensk power engineers promptly switched affected consumers to backup power supply circuits. First responding and maintenance crews, despite the difficult weather conditions, immediately began repairing.
At the moment 82 first responding and maintenance crews numbering about 250 people and 90 special vehicles of IDGC of Centre - Smolenskenergo division are involved in the electricity supply restoration. Crews from not affected Distribution Zones were attracted to the work to assist localities with most impact of the bad weather.
Special control over the work of power facilities has been set, fire safety measures have been enhanced, and interaction with the territorial divisions of EMERCOM and executive authorities, MES of Centre of FGC UES and other territorial electric grid companies has been organized.
The Contact Centre has increased the number of operators who around the clock take calls from citizens via the single direct phone line of power engineers at 8-800-50-50-115 (toll free). In a case of massive technological failures in power supply the branch will set up a temporary information centre.
All the work on the restoration of the main grid is planned to be completed by the end of the day.