Hotline of power engineering specialists:
IDGC of Centre has completed preparations for the operation through the flood. According to weather forecasters, in most regions of the company’s service area its maximum intensity is projected for the second half of March – first half of April. The longest duration of spring floods are expected in the Bryansk, Voronezh and Smolensk regions. In general, in the regions of IDGC of Centre the intensity of floods is projected in the range of average annual values.
In order to ensure reliable power supply to consumers in the flood this time period, the company has implemented a set of necessary preparatory measures to ensure trouble-free operation of power equipment, the course of which is controlled by a specially created central flood commission. Similar commissions for the implementation of operational control in the field have been established in all branches of IDGC of Centre.
As a result of observation of the functioning of the power grid infrastructure during flood periods of three previous years, specialists of IDGC of Centre drew up a list of power facilities, which are at increased risk. It includes 1,656 overhead power lines (Conductors) of 0.4-110 kV and 218 transformer substations. The largest number of such facilities is in the service area of the branches of Belgorodenergo (386 facilities), Smolenskenergo (298), Kostromaenergo (252), Yarenergo (185) and Tambovenergo (184 facilities). The company’s management has made a schedule of inspections of risk areas and assigned responsible persons for their conduct. A list of additional measures has been defined to ensure reliable operation of power grid facilities during the spring flood.
In anticipation of the flood, in order to obtain timely information about weather conditions in the field, interaction between the branches of IDGC of Centre and territorial bodies of Roshydromet, divisions of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, branches of FGC UES, maintenance depots, local authorities has been provided.
First responding crews of Distribution Zones have carried out inspection of overhead lines passing through rivers. They have checked protection of bases of poles against ice drift. Availability and proper technical condition of boats, stationary and mobile pumps and special vehicles has been ensured. Availability and storage space of emergency reserve has also been checked. Taking into account possible changes in river channels during the flood, the branches have developed measures to ensure delivery to expected flood zones in sections of overhead lines of vehicles, materials and equipment of emergency reserve. Repair crews are provided with schemes of approach to overhead lines indicating the characteristics of the water and other possible obstacles and ways to overcome them, and detours.
Electrical installations that provide power supply for socially significant facilities are under special control. In order to eliminate potential failures, backup power supply sources have been prepared, places of their dislocation have been identified. Special training for operating and maintenance personnel of all branches of the company has been organized and conducted.
"The experience of previous years shows that the timely implementation of organizational and technical measures ensures reliable operation of power grid facilities in the flood period. Today IDGC of Centre is taking all necessary measures to ensure during its passage high-quality, reliable and uninterrupted power supply to consumers in all regions of the company’s service area. Currently, experts of the branches of IDGC of Centre continuously monitor the flood situation in the field and, if necessary, are ready to promptly take all necessary measures to eliminate consequences of possible emergency situations," stresses First Deputy General Director - Chief Engineer of IDGC of Centre Alexander Pilyugin.