Winter means a time of trial for all power plants and CHPs incorporated in our company. Work in extreme conditions indeed is a true test of the winter preparations status. A test not only for the machines and facilities but also for people and procedures in force in each of the plants. We talk to Bolesław Kardoliński – Production and Ecology Policy Director in Południowy Koncern Energetyczny SA, about the preparation works carried out in the company.

What are the arrangements made concerning the approaching winter season in particular power plants and combined heat and power plants?

All power plants and combined heat and power plants incorporated in PKE SA drew up ‘action programs’ for the winter season and in the event of low temperatures and significant snowfall which function as internal regulations or orders issued by the directors in every power plant and CHP plant. Substantial elements in the ‘action program’ are the following: appointment of the persons responsible for the power plant operation continuity, making provisions of the necessary materials, de-snowing and defrosting equipment, making provisions of the fuels utilized to heat the buildings as well as anti-freezing agents; securing appropriate amount of protective clothing suitable for working in low temperatures outdoor; protecting facilities, installations and constructions against low temperatures with particular focus on water management installations, fire protection installations as well as providing reliable fuel transport facilities operation and last but not least making provisions of the appropriate stock volume of production fuels.

What is more, repair and maintenance undertakings were completed in all plants and the readiness condition of the heating installations was checked prior to the 2010/2011 heating season start.

And how are we fulfilling the obligatory duty to maintain the minimum stock of fuels?

Relevant volumes of production and auxiliary fuels in the amounts stipulated in the Ordinance of the Minister of Economy, Labor and Social Policy of February 12, 2003 on the fuel stocks in power companies are stocked in our plants. When settling the volumes of fuel stocks and fuel delivery schedules we also take into account the practice worked in PKE SA over many years of experience related to the utilization and deliveries of fuels in the winter seasons.

And what in case of failures which are probable during this period?

The way PKE SA operation personnel works so as to prevent, alleviate the failure consequences or in case of emergency situations in the National Power System (KSE) is systematized in the instructions on the cooperation of operation and dispatch personnel working in PKE SA power plants and heat and power plants and the relevant Distribution System Operator i.e. PSE – Południe and PSE – Operator SA.

In addition, there are emergency procedures in force in each plant where, should a failure occur, the order of actions to be taken by the personnel is defined.

Thanking you for the interview I think we can add that as always we will not be surprised by the winter and in case of any failure our procedures will prove to be efficient just the way they were in the past.

Andrzej Cygielski