The Greek Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE) on Thursday unveiled its contingency plan for conserving electric power in the case of a shortage of fossil fuels due to a reduction (or complete suspension) in the supply of natural gas. The plan has been sent to the European Commission and neighbouring member-states and, as a last resort, includes controlled rolling power cuts.
The plan includes the following measures:
– stopping the operation of hydroelectric pumping units in pumping mode
– ensuring the readiness of all available power production units based on the available reserves (coal, natural gas, water) each day, managing their operation in the optimum way for the safety of the system
– increasing lignite coal reserves
– activating a mechanism to reduce consumption, especially at peak hours
– Stopping all exports and emergency imports of power from neighbouring power grids that do not face a problem of sufficient voltage.
– Activating emergency units currently held in cold reserve
– Introducing controlled rolling power cuts
If natural gas imports are restricted and there are problems with the supply of natural gas to power plants, the following measures are envisaged:
– Postponing planned maintenance of power plants
– Increased use of lignite-burning plants
– Increased use of hydroelectric units
– Applications for emergency assistance to neighbouring grid managers that do not face supply problems
– Informing consumers on how to conserve electricity at peak hours
– Activating units able to use alternative fuels
– Creating a mechanism to ensure that plants using natural gas can operate at the minimum possible level
The RAE plan also includes actions to deal with crises in power production that are linked to malfunctions, natural disasters, pandemics, cyber attacks and other possible risks.
SOURCE; ANA-MPA
