OREANDA-NEWS. February 18, 2008. In 2007 IDGC of the North-West cleared 14.5 thousand hectares of transmission lines of all classes of voltage. Volumes of clearing the lines at OL 0.4-10 kV have considerably increased. The target of the year was executed for 116.9 % that equaled 6.3 thousand hectares.

Last year Pskovenergo considerably widened the repair program on clearing the routes from menacing trees in comparison with 2006; thus, it equaled 4.5 thousand hectares (the highest indicator in IDGC of the North-West companies) and Novgorodenergo's work amounted to 3.5 thousand hectares of clearing the routes. Great areas were cleared of menacing trees and young growth by the Vologda powermen: almost 2 thousand hectares. Works were carried out as contract works; also construction for the company's own use and using its own resources was implemented.

Pskovenergo, Novgorodenergo and Arkhenergo were the first among companies of IDGС of the North-West to implement bush cutters made according to the Italian technology for clearing of lines for OL. The decision on use of this equipment was accepted at the meeting of scientific and technical council of the operating company in March of the last year.

A year after operation of the bush cutter equipment in the pilot power companies, experts of IDGC of the North-West will estimate economic efficiency of the new equipment for distribution grid companies. In case of their successful operation, other power companies will purchase bush cutter equipment.