Specialists of Samara Distribution Grids, a branch of IDGC of Volga, JSC (a member of Rosseti Group of Companies), prepare for vegetation management activities in the areas adjacent to 6-110 kV power transmission lines. These activities are provided by the approved Repair Program-2015. Before 2015/2016 peak load periods in winter and autumn, employees of Samara branch of IDGC of Volga, JSC have to trim or remove vegetation in the rights-of-way areas covering 1,100 ha. Keeping the rights-of-way clear from the vegetation is one the company’s priorities outlined in the Repair Program. These operations are closely monitored by the Safe Power Supply Office under the Government of the Samara region. Controlling the growth of trees in the rights-of-way areas is a matter of absolute necessity. It helps prevent operational disruptions, such as power outages and blackouts, caused by decaying or dead branches or defective trees coming in contact with the transmission lines, and minimize the risk of forest fire propagation. Extreme conditions such as snow loading, high winds will be taken into account when evaluating trees for potential hazards. Every year specialists of Samara Distribution Grids inspect power transmission lines and amend the approved schedule for tree and shrub removal from the rights-of-way as appropriate. To successfully complete such extensive works, specialists need to employ state-of-the art equipment and machinery, including bulldozers, mulchers and harvesters. For this purpose, Samara branch of IDGC of Volga purchased 11 units of special-purpose forestry equipment. For manual vegetation cutting, chain saws and shrub-cutters are widely used. Powerful and easy to use, these modern tools save time and effort. Though most of the works are done in summer, specialists have already started preparations for the peak season. “Successful operations in winter and autumn depend, to a great extent, on whether the RoW clearing works will be completed to the highest standards of quality and according to the approved schedule. By controlling vegetation that may encroach and cause a right-of-way to be narrowed, we minimize the risk of operational disruptions. These activities are under the control of the Government of the Samara region, and we will exert our best efforts to accomplish our goals. Just two years ago, we were not able to handle such challenges. Today, with all necessary equipment at hand, we are able to complete all scheduled activities in due time,” asserts Konstantin Sanayev, Director of Samara Distribution Grids.