Russia Ministry of Energy: Nikolay Shulginov: “The growth of electricity consumption in Russia in the autumn-winter period will be more than 3%”

Nikolai Shulginov, at a meeting between Vladimir Putin and members of the Government of the Russian Federation, reported on the preparation of the Russian energy system for the autumn-winter period.

He noted that the preparation of the fuel and energy complex for the passage of maximum loads is being completed. The minister added that this year it was held against the backdrop of economic recovery, growth in electricity consumption and equipment load.

“In the autumn-winter period, we forecast an increase in consumption by over 3 percent and an increase in maximum power consumption by 3 GW,” Nikolai Shulginov said.

In addition, he reported on the progress of the repair programs. “By the end of the year, about 85 GW of generating capacities and 17 thousand kilometers of power transmission lines with a voltage class of 110 kV and above will be repaired,” said the head of the Ministry of Energy.

The Minister also paid attention to the indicators of the provision of power facilities with fuel. “We have accumulated reserves of about 16.5 million tons of coal and about 2.5 million tons of fuel oil. These are 200% and 120%, respectively. Injection of gas into underground storage continues. As of this morning, this is 97% of the plan and the final 100% download will be released by November 1, ”he explained.

According to Nikolai Shulginov, the accident rate for nine months of this year at generating facilities and in trunk grids remains at the level of the previous year, and an increase of 2% is recorded in distribution grids.

“At the same time, in some regions, such as the Krasnodar Territory, the Republic of Crimea and Dagestan, the Sakhalin Region, the Primorsky Territory, the Pskov and Tver Regions, the accident rate growth rates are much higher – from 15 to 190%,” he said. The growth is due to the high wear and tear of the network complex equipment caused by underfunding of investment and repair programs, and extreme weather conditions. A deficit in financing arises both due to the establishment of tariffs below the economically justified level, and a large volume of non-payments by consumers.

Also, in accordance with the instructions of the President, systematic work is being carried out in terms of reducing the number of territorial grid organizations. “The rates of network consolidation are low today. The issue is acute in regions where the accident rate is quite high, and small territorial network organizations cannot cope with the prompt elimination of accidents. They do not have enough material and technical resources or qualified personnel, ”the Minister said.

He stressed that a package of changes to the regulatory framework has been prepared, related to the strengthening of quantitative requirements for TGO and a special procedure for assessing readiness for the heating season. These regulations are being considered by the Government and are planned to be adopted this year.

Vladimir Putin instructed to continue the work on the consolidation of territorial grid companies, bearing in mind the presence of ownerless networks, as well as to pay special attention to improving the payment discipline of consumers to ensure the normal passage of the autumn-winter period for all citizens.