Smolensk power engineers of IDGC of Centre are ready to operate through bad weather

December 25, 2013 in the Smolensk region there are deteriorating weather conditions associated with heavy precipitation in the form of rain and sleet. Until the end of the day in some places it is expected to have increasing western, north-western wind gusts up to 19-24 m/s. On the eve in most parts of the Smolensk region there was strengthening of western wind gusts up to 15-20 m/s, and during the day sleet formed on roads.

Currently, in some places wind gusts are reaching 11-17 m/s, the temperature of +2 C, in some areas of the region sticking of dropdown wet snow on wires and poles occurs. It is projected at night the temperature will drop to negative values, which can cause icing of power lines. The probability of severe weather conditions persist 26 December as well.

In this regard, technical services of IDGC of Centre - Smolenskenergo division prepared for possible trouble. 84 crews (252 people) and 15 special vehicles are on duty at the present time, in case of major interruptions of electricity supply to consumers related to worsening weather conditions, the staff may be increased to 196 crews (1,041 people) and 306 vehicles.

Availability and operability of 46 redundant power supply sources was checked, which, if necessary, will allow to provide backup power supply to consumers at the time of first responding and restoration operations.

Special control over the work of power facilities was established, fire safety measures were enhanced, and interaction with the territorial divisions of EMERCOM and executive authorities, MES of Centre of FGC UES, other local power grid organizations was organized.

Small power outages have affected the south of the region, but socially important facilities operate in normal mode. Power engineers of IDGC of Centre - Smolenskenergo division are conducting first responding and restoration operations in continuous mode. High accident rate on roads and resulting congestion, which made it difficult to move, can create particularly difficult movement of first responding crews to areas of technological failures.

The Call Centre operates around the clock taking calls from citizens via the single straight phone number of power engineers at 8-800-50-50-115 (toll-free). If necessary, the branch will deploy a temporary information centre (TIC).