ENERGO-PRO Grids carried out preparation of the facilities of the electricity distribution network for operation in the winter season
ENERGO-PRO Grids has prepared the facilities of the electricity distribution network of Northeastern Bulgaria, owned by the company, before the approaching winter season. Preparatory works included technical activities on all facilities including 27 substations and 98 node stations, 11,391 substations (TP), over 3,450 km of medium-voltage (MV) cable lines, 6,860 km of low-voltage (LN) cable lines, 15,017 km of overhead power lines SW and 16,855 km of overhead NN network located at the territory of 28,924 square kilometers.
As every year, in the course of the preparation, inspections, inspections and surveys of all the facilities of the electricity distribution network owned by ENERGO-PRO were carried out. Nearly 10,560 km of the medium and low voltage network were bypassed. 6,573 transformer substations were cleaned and 21,631 liters of transformer oil were poured. In addition, 1,758 measuring transformers and 591 HV circuit breakers were replaced, as well as 10,512 insulators. The process of preparing the facilities for the winter season also included the replacement of 540 km of low-voltage power distribution network and nearly 1,100 reinforced concrete pillars. 1 668 km of forest cutting and pruning of tree branches were made where necessary. Installation of 609 valve outlets was carried out and 3,150 additional grounding devices were installed.
For the upcoming winter season ENERGO-PRO Grids has provided 397 emergency groups of two electricians with readiness for quick regrouping and redeployment of technical teams in case of need. All teams of the company are equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment and clothing that meets the specific winter weather conditions. Additional means of communication and backup connections between mobile teams and network management centers are provided. An emergency reserve of basic types of materials and equipment is pledged in order to ensure the smooth operation of the teams throughout the territory serviced by ENERGO-PRO.
The company's fleet has also been brought to full readiness for operation in winter conditions, with all cars equipped with GPS systems. A total of 405 off-road vehicles are available, 272 vehicles with normal terrain intended for the teams and 145 specialized vehicles - trucks, cranes, excavators, fighting machines, cable laboratories, etc. In the event of severe accidents, the company is ready to provide emergency power to critical customers through 4 diesel generators with a capacity of 2,100 kW.
Since the beginning of 2013, the company has invested nearly BGN 5.5 million in the construction of a medium-voltage power distribution network and about BGN 5 million — in a low-voltage network. It is planned to invest another BGN 1 million by the end of the year to comprehensively improve the state of the network and guarantee a more secure and quality power supply to all ENERGO-PRO customers before the onset of winter.
On the territory of Varna region, in the process of winter preparation, 765 km of circumnavigations were carried out and 123 km of crossings were made. 1,932 insulators, 238 reinforced concrete pillars and 165 distribution cassettes were replaced. 954 substations have been cleaned in the territory of the district and 128 km of NN networks have been built. It is planned that about 300 more substations will be serviced as part of the preparation of the territory of Varna region for work in winter conditions. ENERGO-PRO Grids teams have installed 489 additional earthing devices and installed 93 valve outlets. The company has provided 200 electricians, distributed in 90 teams, of which 12 teams are on duty to eliminate accidents during off-hours. The emergency teams have a total of 83 fully equipped vehicles, as well as 26 specialized vehicles. The company has sent a prepared Plan for Protection in Disasters and Accidents of ENERGO-PRO Networks to the District Governor of Varna District in order to guarantee immediate contact with the company in case of emergency situations.
