MRSK Tsentra : Smolensk power engineers of IDGC of Centre are ready to pass the flood period of 2017

IDGC of Centre - Smolenskenergo division has completed active preparation for the successful operation through the flood season of 2017. In the course of the preparation, a commission was established in the branch, which provided planning, coordination and monitoring of the implementation of flood control measures. Specialists of Smolenskenergo developed and approved a plan of measures to ensure reliable operation of power grid facilities during the flood period, including the removal of equipment, materials and other property from areas of possible flooding. Also, the list of power grid facilities of the branch (sections of overhead lines, substations, buildings, structures) located in high-risk areas during the flood period was approved, the threat or flooding of which were observed during the flooding period during the last three years.

Before the beginning of the flood period, the forecast of the timing and maximum intensity of the flood was specified, and briefings were given to operating, maintenance and repair personnel. In April, it is planned to conduct anti-emergency training for actions in cases of flooding of electric grid facilities.

During the flood period throughout the service area of Smolenskenergo regular inspections of energy facilities located in high-risk areas will be carried out according to the approved schedule (there are more than 200 such facilities, most of them located in the south and east of the region).

The branch has the required stock of materials, special equipment and vehicles, backup power sources and personnel to quickly eliminate possible damage and emergency situations. In case of large technological violations of electricity supply to consumers during the spring flood, as in other periods of the year, up to 261 first responding and mobile crews (997 people) and 353 vehicles of Smolenskenergo are ready to proceed to first responding and restoration operations. For the delivery of personnel and materials to work sites and for work performance, the units are equipped with motor and rowing boats, employees have received training and obtained the rights to manage water transport. 8 mobile crews (43 people, 16 vehicles, including 8 specialized vehicles), located at 4 bases of large Distribution Zones, have been created in Smolenskenergo to assist in the elimination of technological violations in other branches of IDGC of Centre.

In order to quickly eliminate possible abnormal situations, the branch has arranged cooperation with units of EMERCOM and local administrations, and also verified the possibility of reserving circuits for supplying electricity to consumers, whose electricity supply is provided through the flood hazard zones.

'Flood period is considered a difficult test for power engineers. That is why the preparation for it starts in advance, and the activities are carried out on time and in full,' commented the head of the analysis and production management office Vitaly Golubkov. 'We are confident that the spring flood control measures developed at the branch will reduce the risk of emergencies at power facilities.'

According to the preliminary estimates of EMERCOM of Russia, the number of emergency situations associated with floods in the country in 2017 will not exceed the parameters of the last three years.