Samara Distribution Grids, a branch of IDGC of Volga, PJSC (a member of Rosseti Group of Companies), completed active preparation for operations during the autumn and winter season 2017/2018. By fully implementing the repair program to the highest standards of quality, the branch will be able to ensure normal operation of its power grid facilities, to maintain its equipment in good working order and to provide reliable power supply services for its customers. The repair program was completed in full compliance with the approved work schedule. As part of its preparations for the autumn and winter season 2017/2018, the branch specialists completed capital repairs on 35–110 kV power transmission lines with the total length of over 1,500 km, and repair works at 55 substations (35–110 kV) and 1,014 transformer substations. Repair operations at power facilities included repair of 396 circuit-breakers, 361 disconnecting switches, 41 isolating and short-circuiting switches; and replacement of 202 stick-pedestal insulators.

Specialists completed diagnostics, tests and measurements of key equipment of power grids that are critical for operations during the autumn and winter season, and inspected the condition of oil-filled equipment. Besides, vegetation management activities were conducted along OHLs on the area of about 1,083 ha. Availability and completeness of emergency inventory stock of materials and equipment were double-checked to ensure compliance with approved standards. 42 backup power supply units (BPS) were made ready for deployment. Schemes of power supply for socially significant and critical facilities were analyzed, and connection points were updated.

At the same time, the power facilities of Samara Distribution Grids were made ready for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in accordance with the repair program, including capital repairs and on-line maintenance of transformer substations located in the urban district of Samara; painting of line supports, replacement of insulators, vegetation management works along the transmission lines across the city, and provision of public services and utilities at the power facilities.

"Preparation for winter operations is a major concern of power sector specialists. The repair program of Samara Distribution Grids has been implemented in full. We completed repairs of equipment, buildings and structures in the planned scope, and implemented the technical maintenance program. The emergency reserve is 100% ready in accordance with the approved stock list. Having completed these activities, we are now able to consistently operate during the autumn and winter season, and, in case of any irregularities, perform recovery operations in the shortest time possible," comments Konstantin Sanayev, Deputy Director General of IDGC of Volga, PJSC and Director of Samara Distribution Grids.