Distribution system operators (DSOs, Oblenergo) cleared over 21,000 km of overhead power lines (OPL) of all voltage classes in the first half of the year, including 9,500 km in April-June, according to the State Energy Inspection of Ukraine (Derzhzhergonadzor) on Tuesday.
According to the inspection, in addition to the planned volumes, almost 3,000 km were also cleared as a result of unscheduled inspections of power lines and after the activation of protective automation, another 544 km were cleared to eliminate emergency situations caused by adverse weather conditions, and more than 238 km were cleared at the request of Derzhenergonadzor following the consideration of consumer complaints.
“Clearing power lines is an important and necessary preventive measure that contributes to the reliable operation of power grids and minimizes the risk of technological disruptions,” the agency said.
The inspection explained that maintaining the proper technical condition of power lines reduces the time and resources required for their maintenance and repair, as well as ensuring faster restoration of power supply in case of emergencies.
Representatives of the territorial bodies of the State Energy Supervision Service monitored the completeness and quality of scheduled work on clearing 0.4-110 (150) kV power line routes and bringing them into compliance with the requirements of the rules and regulations in the electric power industry, carried out by 27 OSRs in the first half of 2025.
Work on clearing the OSR is carried out annually in accordance with a schedule agreed with the State Energy Inspection and approved by the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine.
Damage and destruction of high-voltage elements of power transmission equipment is estimated at 55-70%, Director of the Energy Research Center Oleksandr Kharchenko said at a briefing at the Ukrainian Media Center on Friday.
The expert recalled that the main problem with the lack of electricity now is related to its transmission, not generation.
“The main problem now is the problem with the transmission system. High-voltage – we have lost about 55-75% of the key pieces of equipment, they are damaged or destroyed,” Kharchenko said.
At the same time, he said, regional low-voltage networks away from the front lines are in good condition.
National energy company Ukrenergo and the electricity transmission system operator SEPS (Slovakia) on October 2, 2018 agreed on building a new power line as an optimal solution for boosting power transmission between Ukraine and Slovakia, the press service of Ukrenergo has reported. “According to the agreements, a new 400 kV overhead line will be built, which will connect the existing 400 kV substations Mukachevo and Velke Kapusany in the single-circuit version with the possibility of further upgrading it to double-circuit in case of an increase in the volume of interstate flows,” the company said.
According to the press service, the project also envisages reconstruction of the 400 kV open switchgear at the Mukachevo substation. “In the next three or four years, at the Mukachevo 400 kV substation, it is planned to replace the existing 400/220 kV autotransformer (АТ-3) 400/220 kV (installed in 1964), as well as equipping the 400 kV complete switchgear with gas insulation,” Ukrenergo said.
Considering the condition of the existing 400 kV overhead line Mukachevo-Velke Kapusany, which has been operating since 1963, its modernization was recognized as inexpedient. The line will work until the launch of the new line.
The company recalled that this project is a candidate for projects of mutual interest (PMI), the list of which will be approved by the Council of Ministers of the Energy Community in the autumn of 2018.
BUILDING, ENERGY COMPANY, POWER LINE, POWER TRANSMISSION, SLOVAKIA'S, UKRENERGO
