The investment plan of Electrica approved by ANRE, states this year an investment volume of over 121 million euros, and by the end of the current regulatory period (2018), the company has planned investments of over 715 million euros, according Bursa.
Ioan Rosca, General Manager Electrica S.A., said: “Our business strategy is based on implementing a very ambitious investment plan, already underway. On the one hand it needs investments in the distribution segment, on the other hand we have modernization projects already underway to improve efficiency and increase service quality. Beyond the obvious benefits for customers and the positive effect on our operational, this effort will be reflected also in the direct contribution to the development of the Romanian economy.”
Part of this plan is the investment of nearly two million euos in the modernization of the 110/20 kV Lieşti station, one of the 27 stations of 110 kV of the branch SDEE Galaţi, “a very important hub” for the National Power System, according to the source.
Through the Lieşti Station the transit of electricity between Braila, Vrancea and Galati and the electricity supply of the area is achieved.
Begun in August 2013, the modernization works of the Lieşti station involved replacing worn equipment with modern equipment to substantially reduce the number of interruptions, increase efficiency by reducing electricity losses and reducing operating expenses and maintenance.
The investment was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund in the financing contract signed with the Ministry of Economy.
The total value of the modernization was over two million euros (8,929,484.91 lei), of which 940,000 euros (4,153,553.39 lei) meant non-reimbursable financial assistance. The work was completed on 09.07.2015, by which all the equipment was put into operation, say company representatives.
“It yields an increased level of safety of power supply and ensures continuity in the supply area, lowering repair and maintenance costs, providing the security of electricity”, says Electrica.
Electrica increased investments in electricity grids over 21% in the first half of this year compared to the same period of 2014. By 2018, Electrica aims the transition to 20 kV to about 3000 km of medium voltage lines and 2,400 transformation points, rehabilitation of more than 1,000 cell power stations
In the current regulatory period (2014-2018), is intended to replace more than 6,000 transformers medium voltage transformers with low losses and replacement of transformers of 110 kV 80 with low loss transformers with power ranging between 10-40 MVA .
The Distribution and Supply Group also aims to rehabilitate approximately 4,000 km of low voltage network in the next three years, the decentralization of the low voltage network by achieving 800 km of new medium voltage and installation of over 4,000 small transformer points (10-40 kVA), and installation of more than 500,000 smart meters by integrating them into telemanagement systems.
In the same period, the realization of an integrated asset management is planned, by integrating 437 substations, 26,000 transformer stations, over 50,000 km of medium and high voltage network and over 85,000 km of low voltage.