Hotline of power engineering specialists:
IDGC of Centre – Voronezhenergo division has begun preparing for operation through the flood period. Due to the abnormally high temperatures in Central Russia in February this year, flooding is expected soon, and the power company is doing everything to meet it head-on.
Voronezhenergo created the Central flood commission chaired by First Deputy Director – Chief Engineer of the branch Vyacheslav Antonov, a plan of necessary activities has been developed.
Permanent control over sections of overhead power lines (Conductors) of 35-110 kV has been set, which, according to preliminary estimates, may fall into the flooding zone. Their number is about 100 - mostly these are lines that cross rivers and pass their floodplains. For the purpose of early detection of flooding and soil erosion the state and availability of protection of grounds of poles of these Conductors is being checked.
Unscheduled briefings on safety of work in the conditions of high water and first aid to the victim in the water were held with first responding, operating, maintenance and repair personnel of Voronezhenergo. Emergency response training for action in the event of flooding of electrical networks is being conducted.
In the period of spring floods Voronezhenergo will organize around the clock duty of 42 first responding mobile crews composed of 84 people and 42 special vehicles. 8 mobile crews (48 people and 16 special vehicles) will also be available as a reserve. In total, to perform first responding and restoration operations in case of emergencies the branch can attract about 170 crews composed of 905 people and 303 vehicles. To deliver personnel and materials to the work site and to perform work the units are equipped with motor boats, their employees were trained and received the right to control water transport.
"The period of spring floods is an annual exam for power engineers. Timely and high-quality preparation of electric grid facilities for it allows to avoid unwanted consequences of elements and to ensure uninterrupted power supply to consumers," said First Deputy Director – Chief Engineer of IDGC of Centre – Voronezhenergo division Vyacheslav Antonov.