Smart technologies strengthen flood readiness for Jiaxing power grid

With the East China rainy season bringing frequent downpours, State Grid Jiaxing Power Supply Company has strengthened inspections and deployed digital tools to protect its grid from flooding.

At Xinqiao Port sluice station, staff recently checked cable trench seals, tested drainage pumps and emergency power switches, and verified that flood barriers and water pumps were ready. Emergency communication protocols were also established to enable rapid response.

As the annual plum rain season arrived, the company activated its grid-based emergency command system and stepped up inspections of substations in low-lying areas, key sluice stations, and flood-prone distribution facilities. Emergency duty rosters were reinforced to ensure safe grid operation.

To mitigate flood risks, the company added extra guy wires on poles vulnerable to high winds and flooding, reinforced pole foundations along riverbanks and on soft soil, and advised 171 major customers on protecting their distribution equipment.

Moisture-resistant coatings were applied to equipment at low-lying switching stations to reduce humidity's effect on insulation.

Alongside conventional measures, the company expanded digital monitoring. Water levels at substations are updated every few seconds; cable leakage monitors automatically issue alerts and suggest corrective actions when anomalies appear, cutting response times from hours to minutes.

The company also integrated flood prevention into its "power caring supermarket" community incentive program, where residents earn points for taking part in levee patrols and hazard checks. To date, over 200 villagers have signed up as volunteer monitors.

The combination of engineering upgrades, real-time digital surveillance, and community involvement is expected to significantly boost the resilience of Jiaxing's power grid throughout the flood season.