Big Network Renovation: DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids improving reliability of electricity supply thanks to reclosers

Thermal power generation08 September 2021

DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids will install 160 reclosers for UAH 63 million by the end of this year. These devices reduce the number of equipment failures and can independently restore the operation of lines in case of minor damage, which will significantly improve the reliability of electricity supply to all the residents in the Kyiv region. This upgrade was implemented thanks to the incentive RAB-tariffs introduced in 2021.

Big Network Renovation: DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids improving reliability of electricity supply thanks to reclosers

DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids serves the Ukraine’s interests. Sustainable development is a priority for the company's investment. Therefore, DTEK is implementing the project named Big Network Renovation to upgrade the electrical infrastructure across the Kyiv region.

Under this project, the company will install 160 reclosers by the end of this year, which is almost 5 times more than in 2020. DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids earmarked UAH 63 million for the purchase of such state-of-the-art equipment. In total, 445 such reclosers will be installed throughout the region in 2021-2025.

Reclosers can independently restore power supply to the company's customers in case of emergency shutdowns of protective automation. Power lines are often disconnected when tree branches touch wires, or because of lightning, short circuits and other factors that do not disrupt the integrity of the network and do not damage power equipment. To eliminate such shutdowns, DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids sends repair crews to inspect the line and turn on the power as soon as possible. While energy workers go to the scene, the company's customers may be without power for some time. Reclosers can do the same task in minutes. If the failure is more serious, the device will send the coordinates of the damaged section of the line or equipment to a dispatcher.

In addition to switching damaged sections of power lines, reclosers constantly transmit important data about the state of the network to dispatchers. This prevents serious failures, so that DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids is able to do the required maintenance.

Also, this year it is planned to launch 110/35/10 kV Kozyn and 110/10 Gostomel substations. The total cost of the projects will be UAH 220 million. When commissioned, the residents of two energy-deficient power units in the region - Irpin and Obukhiv - will receive more reliable electricity supply.

The company could do the construction and reconstruction of these facilities thanks to the incentive RAB-tariffs introduced in 2021. The company invests 725 million in the development of networks and infrastructure. This is twice the investment program of 2020.