In order to reduce the risk of residential areas being left without electricity for extended periods after severe storms, there are plans to widen the tree-clearance zones under 110-kilovolt (kV) power line corridors. This is provided for in amendments to the Protection Zone Law, developed on Wednesday, 2 September, by the Saeima Economic, Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Policy Committee. During the meeting, the committee discussed the impact of the recent storm on electricity infrastructure, as well as the measures needed to strengthen power supply security and energy resilience.
110 kV lines are those that provide electricity transmission from large power plants and international trunk grids to regional substations, from which it is then delivered to residents. During the recent storm, more than 70 per cent of the damage to these power lines was caused by falling trees growing within an 18-metre strip from the power line axis, according to AS Augstsprieguma tīkls.
Currently, the width of the protection zone under these power lines is 35 metres, but a 13-metre-wide strip on each side of the power line axis must be completely cleared of trees and shrubs. There are plans to expand this zone to 18 metres on each side.
“The recent storm brought to the fore not only the security of power supply but also broader issues of civil defence and the resilience of critical infrastructure. It is unacceptable for residents to be left without electricity and communications for a long time,” emphasised Committee Chairman Arvils Ašeradens. He noted that the solution proposed by the committee would allow for a reduction in overhead line damage caused by falling trees by approximately 80 per cent.
A. Ašeradens stated that the committee will soon invite the responsible ministries to jointly seek solutions for strengthening future energy autonomy, fuel availability and communication resilience.
On 22 August and the night of 23 August this year, almost the entire territory of Latvia was hit by a severe storm, which resulted in power supply disruptions for approximately 280,000 households. The most extensive damage and power outages occurred in the central and south-eastern parts of the country. Mobile communications were also disrupted. This storm has been recognised as the strongest summer storm since 1966.
Households that experienced a power outage longer than 72 hours will not be charged for distribution services. The Ministry of Climate and Energy informed deputies at the meeting that this is planned to be compensated in the October bills.
The committee will request that the draft law be included on the agenda of the Saeima session on Thursday, 3 September, and that it be declared urgent, A. Ašeradens informed.