Lipetskenergo increases the reliability of electric networks

As part of the activity to improve the reliability of the energy complex for 11 months of 2012 specialists of IDGC of Centre — Lipetskenergo division cleared 308 hectares of ROWs along power lines off tree and shrub seedlings, having fully fulfilled the annual plan. 323.9 hectares of ROWs along power lines were extended to the standard state.

In total in the service area of Lipetsk branch of IDGC of Centre there are more than 30,000 km of overhead lines of 0.4-10 and 35-110 kV, 4% of which pass through woodland. This increases the threat of technological failures caused by falling trees onto power lines. In adverse weather conditions, the scope and consequences of such violations increase significantly. This is confirmed by the “freezing rains” that hit the Central part of Russia in the winter of 2010-2011 and the fires of 2011. It is to prevent such cases that the power engineers perform their systematic work on clearing and expanding the ROWs along power lines, which is carried out in strict accordance with the applicable legal regulations.

Parallel to the work on clearing and expansion of the ROWs the power engineers of Lipetsk branch perform recycling of forest residues. This task is effectively solved with the use of modern technology, an example of which are special mowers, grinding wood chips to the state, eliminating the need for additional clearing ROWs along power lines.

“Work on the expansion and clearing ROWs is also an integral component of the complex preparation for the autumn-winter period, when the power supply reliability is particularly acute,” — added Deputy Director for Technical Issues — Chief Engineer of Lipetskenergo Alexander Kornilov.

Being aware of social responsibility for this activity in order to minimize the environmental impact the power engineers for the second year in a row have been participating in the environmental action of IDGC Holding “Distribution grid complex — for the protection of the environment”, in which they carry out compensatory planting of greenery. In 2011 and 2012 thanks to the power engineers about 7000 new trees and shrubs appeared in the Lipetsk region.