In order to prevent emergencies, DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids will clear more than 3,500 kilometers of power lines from branches in 2024
In the Kyiv region, energy workers plan to clear more than 3,300 kilometers of 0.4-10 kV lines that directly power residential buildings and another 320 kilometers of 35-110 kV high voltage lines that ensure power supply to entire towns and districts. This is mainly required to prevent tree branches from damaging the power lines, especially when falling on the wires during bad weather.
“DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids is a responsible business, foundation and support for normal life of our customers. Falling of trees and contact of branches with wires is one of the causes of power outages. By clearing overhead lines routes, we mainly care about safety of people and reliable power supply. Over the course of the year, our specialists will clear over 3,500 kilometers of the overhead power lines routes. Thus, the lines will be protected from ruptures and short circuits during bad weather, while residents of towns and villages will be safe and with electricity. Since the beginning of the year, we have already cleared almost 300 kilometers of the overhead power lines from branches and drywood,” – noted DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids CEO Vitalii Shaida.
Energy workers discover potentially dangerous sections during inspection of lines. Then, corresponding schedules are formed in all districts of the region in order to arrange work related to clearing of power lines routes. To ensure that the process of trees pruning is safe for the energy workers, the line is temporarily disconnected from power supply. A specific date and time of de-energization is being determined for each settlement and street. The company informs local authorities about these scheduled activities for further notification of citizens (district, city, village, settlement councils, etc.) and notifies customers in DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids Viber and Telegram chatbot messengers.
In accordance with the Rules of grids protection, DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids specialists carry out scheduled pruning of trees that grow only in the protected area of the overhead power lines. For the below 20 kV lines this area is 10 m on both sides of the line, for 35 kV − 15 m; for 110 kV − 20 m. Residents of detached house suburbs should be the ones to monitor the condition of plantings in their yards and household plots and prune them, when required. Unmanaged territories and wastelands are local authorities’ area of responsibility.
Performance of these works requires submitting a request to local authorities, who, in their turn, will forward it to the Distribution System Operator – DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids. The DSO will determine date and time of the overhead line de-energization to ensure safe work performance.