Mikhail Kuzmin - Deputy Director - Chief Engineer of the Orenburgenergo branch of IDGC of Volga, PJSC (included in the Rosseti Group) told the business community about the concept of transforming the energy infrastructure through the introduction of digital technologies.

The presentation was held on the basis of the branch during the conference with the participation of heads of divisions and representatives of partner enterprises of Orenburgenergo from Samara, Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Ufa, Orenburg and Moscow. - Grid complex management in digital format, which includes online monitoring, self-diagnostics, accumulation of information about the functioning of the equipment, analysis of the data and, on its basis, the formation of predictive models of operation, maintenance and repairs - all this is digitalization, - Mikhail Kuzmin began his report.

The implementation of the digital transformation concept developed by PJSC ROSSETI implies not only the introduction of a new process management model, but also a qualitatively new state of the power grid. - There are tremendous preparatory events ahead of us, which are extended over several years and will be carried out in accordance with the approved plan,-Mikhail Kuzmin emphasized.

Digital substations to be built and the secondary systems of existing substations of 35-110 kV to be upgraded. Digital transformation involves automation of 6-10 kV distribution grids with the creation of digital power distribution zones. In order to reduce the loss and use of data in the calculation and analytical functions, smart metering of electrical energy is already being implemented. - The first digital substation in Orenburgenergo will be the Yugo-Vostochnaya 110/10/6 kV substation,-Mikhail Kuzmin said. - This year we are completing research and development, design and survey works. Commissioning of the power facility into pilot production is planned for 2022.

According to the calculations of power engineers, the payback period for digital technologies is from 5 to 10 years. Grid companies expect a significant reduction in costs for the current operation of equipment, as well as improving the quality and reliability of power supply. Consumers will see the effect of digital transformation in restraining the growth of tariffs, reducing the cost and time of utility connection to the electric grid, the emergence of new consumer services. State-wide digitalization of energy infrastructure will be the basis for economic development and guarantee of energy independence.