ERP North and regional governors coordinate actions for more reliable power supply
Joint efforts are focused on accelerating the clearing of vegetation corridors and limiting faults on overhead power lines ahead of the autumn-winter season
ERP North has launched a series of working meetings with regional governors in Northeast Bulgaria, dedicated to coordinating vegetation management activities and preparing the power distribution network for the autumn-winter season. The initiative aims to accelerate the implementation of preventive measures to limit faults and increase the reliability of power supply. Over 80% of faults on the overhead distribution network in the territory served by ERP North are caused by fallen trees and branches, making vegetation management one of the most critical activities for the secure operation of the network.
The initiative began with a working meeting with the regional governor of Veliko Tarnovo, Marin Bogomilov. Atanas Kolev and Mario Marinov from the Management Board of ERP North participated in the meeting. During the discussion, they addressed joint actions to accelerate the clearing of vegetation corridors along overhead power lines – one of the most effective preventive measures for limiting faults and reducing the risk of fires. Dried and compromised trees near power lines pose a particularly serious danger, as they can cause power outages and threaten the reliable operation of the distribution network during strong winds, snowfall, or other adverse weather conditions.
In response to this risk, ERP North is consistently expanding its preventive vegetation maintenance program by increasing the capacity of its own teams and investing in specialized all-terrain equipment for mechanized clearing in difficult-to-reach areas. In parallel, the company works in close cooperation with Regional Forestry Directorates and state forestry enterprises, which mark dangerous trees outside the easement zones. In the Veliko Tarnovo region alone, nearly 17,500 dangerous trees have been marked for removal so far.
During the discussion, the need for active interaction between ERP North, municipalities, and forestry enterprises for the timely execution of necessary activities, including the organization of timber removal, was also addressed. This will allow for faster clearing of corridors and more effective management of high-risk sections of the distribution network.
Special attention was paid to areas with tall vegetation and old trees located in close proximity to overhead power lines, residential areas, and infrastructure facilities. Their timely removal is a key element of the company's policy for preventing faults, reducing fire risks, and ensuring reliable power supply for customers.
"Investments in the distribution network go hand in hand with investments in its preventive maintenance. Clearing vegetation corridors is a strategic activity that directly impacts the reliability of power supply and the resilience of the network during adverse weather conditions. Therefore, we rely on active partnership with state institutions, regional administrations, municipalities, and forestry enterprises to implement all necessary measures on time in the interest of our customers," stated the management of ERP North.
Regional Governor Marin Bogomilov expressed readiness to assist in the coordination between municipalities, forestry enterprises, and ERP North so that the necessary activities can be carried out in the shortest possible time and with the required institutional support.
In Gabrovo, representatives of ERP North met with Regional Governor Kristina Sidorova. During the meeting, the same key topics were discussed, related to the coordination of vegetation clearing activities, fault prevention, and the preparation of the distribution network for the autumn-winter season. The discussion was constructive, confirming the readiness for active interaction between the regional administration, municipalities, forestry enterprises, and ERP North for the timely implementation of the necessary preventive measures.
Working meetings with regional governors will continue over the coming weeks. They are part of ERP North's long-term policy for preventive maintenance of the distribution network, based on systematic investments, modernization, and active partnership with state and local institutions. Through timely preventive actions, the company aims to increase network resilience, reduce the risk of faults, and guarantee a secure and reliable power supply for its customers.
