Shaoxing, Zhejiang: Power workers brave icy trails to safeguard electricity supply

On Jan 22, amidst the howling winds of Luokeng Mountain, where temperatures had stayed below -5 C for three straight days, three line inspectors from the Dashi Power Supply Station of State Grid Shaoxing Power Supply Company carefully made their way along ice-covered mountain paths. They were conducting the third special inspection of the Ma'ao Line.

This special patrol employed a coordinated manual and technological approach. Ground crews meticulously inspected the stability of each utility pole base and examined conductors for ice accumulation. Using infrared thermometers, they took real-time temperature readings of switchgear equipment, documented the data, and worked on clearing line defects and corridor obstructions. Simultaneously, drones performed high-altitude surveillance along the line, transmitting real-time footage of ice buildup and any tree encroachment on the wires.

[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

According to inspector Zhang Mingke, the persistent cold has left Luokeng Mountain roads icy and impassable for vehicles. To ensure that a power generation truck could reach the site promptly in case of a fault, a 400-kilowatt emergency generator truck was pre-positioned on the mountain before the cold wave hit, ready to significantly reduce potential outage durations. 

[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

By 4:00 pm that day, the Dashi Station's special inspection team had completed a thorough survey of 38.33 kilometers of lines and 125 poles spanning four high-fault-probability lines in their jurisdiction, identifying and resolving eight hazardous tree-related situations. The station has now activated a 24-hour weather monitoring and an 8-hour special inspection protocol, with emergency repair teams on standby and supplies like emergency lighting and tire chains fully stocked, all in an effort to minimize the risk of cold wave-induced line failures.

Moving forward, State Grid Shaoxing will continue to closely monitor the changing cold wave conditions. It plans to increase patrol frequency for high-fault lines and those in remote mountainous areas, ensure all repair materials are available, and optimize the deployment of repair teams. This ensures a swift and effective response to any unexpected failures. The power workers remain committed to their posts, dedicating themselves fully to strengthening the power supply network with a high sense of responsibility. Through perseverance and dedication, they safeguard the warmth and light for the communities they serve.