ESO repair works hamper normal power supply in Targovishte region

The problems with power outages and the quality of the supplied electricity were discussed at a meeting between representatives of the local government in Targovishte district and the management of Elektrodistribuenie Sever. The representatives of the ENERGO-PRO network company informed the mayors that the normal electricity supply scheme on the territory of Targovishte district was disrupted as a result of activities carried out on the electricity transmission network operated by the Electricity System Operator (ESO). This necessitates alternative power supply to power lines under emergency schemes, which, however, are intended for use only on an emergency basis, as they put a strain on the power system.

The extraordinary load on power lines in recent months has significantly increased unplanned shutdowns in dozens of settlements in the district and has led to an increase in customer complaints. This also makes it difficult for the teams of ERP North to locate possible damage to the facilities due to the extended route of the power lines due to the applied emergency schemes. The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission is also aware of the problem, which expects specific solutions on the case from ESO.

Another problem that was presented during the meeting is that during the planned repairs of ESO substations, the grounding method of the star center of the medium-voltage power distribution network changes. This is being done with active resistance, and the change is not coordinated with the EP North. Changing the method of grounding the star center leads to a significant increase in short-term automatic re-connections and a deterioration in the quality of the supplied electricity. The ESOs have been repeatedly alerted to the problem, but no action has been taken. “The management of ERP North sought assistance from the EWRC in order to find a compromise solution that would balance the operation and modernization of the electricity transmission network with the specifics of the operation of the electricity distribution network and the smooth supply of the connected customers”, commented Atanas Kolev, Chairman of the Management Board of ERP North.

The problems due to repairs of ESO facilities are from last year and are hampering the operation of the electricity distribution company throughout North-East Bulgaria. Since the beginning of 2022, there are more than 600 planned measures to secure sections in connection with ESO requests. For the most part, these requests are for outages of substations or outlets, which leads to planned disruption of the electricity supply of ENERGO-PRO customers.