Household consumers can complain about poor electrical support conditions – Chernihivoblenergo

Both legal and household consumers can submit an application regarding the improper technical condition of an electrical network facility, in particular an electric pole, after which the personnel of the distribution system operator (DSO, in particular JSC Chernihivoblenergo) are obliged to conduct an appropriate inspection.
"If the non-compliance of the technical condition of the electrical installation with the requirements of regulatory and technical documents is confirmed, the company develops a plan of necessary measures to eliminate this non-compliance and determines the deadline for their implementation," Chernigivoblenergo reported, citing the deputy technical director for low-voltage networks of the company, Serhiy Pereverza, on its website.
As noted by the regional energy company, usually the elimination of defects in electric poles of all types or their replacement is planned during reconstructions within the framework of investment programs, major repairs or technical maintenance.
"However, if the results of the inspection reveal defects that threaten people's lives and health or can lead to an emergency situation in power grids, the elimination of these defects is organized as soon as possible," the regional energy company emphasized.
As explained in Chernihivoblenergo, electric poles are the main structural element of the power transmission line, they are made of metal, reinforced concrete and wood. Most often, complaints from consumers are received about wooden poles, which in Ukraine are installed mainly on low-voltage 0.4 kV lines.
At the same time, 10 kV lines are more often built on reinforced concrete poles, and lines with a voltage of 35 kV and higher can be combined: intermediate poles are made of reinforced concrete, anchor poles are made of metal.
Metal poles have the longest service life, wooden poles have the shortest, which are trying to be completely replaced with poles that have higher mechanical strength and a longer service life.
"However, it should be taken into account that while we have a significant number of such supports in the company's service area, their planned replacement will be stretched in time in any case," the company noted. At the same time, Chernihivoblenergo added that reinforced concrete supports also have their drawbacks, for example, sensitivity to deformations in the form of cracks and delamination, so such supports are constantly on the list for replacement. In addition, both wooden and reinforced concrete supports often become "victims" of fast-driving enthusiasts.