site.btaElectricity System Operator Crews, Facilities Ready for Winter Season

The Electricity System Operator (ESO) said on Monday that the crews and facilities of the electricity transmission network are prepared for operation during the autumn-winter season.

Since the beginning of 2025, the company has invested over BGN 270 million in the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and connection of new facilities to the transmission network to ensure the sustainable operation of its infrastructure during the autumn-winter period. A complete reconstruction has been carried out, and 110 kV power lines with a total length of over 210 kilometers have been commissioned. These lines are of key importance for ensuring the electricity supply to Sofia Municipality and the region, as well as to the regional and municipal centers of Varna, Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Svishtov, Shumen, Yambol, and Haskovo.

According to the operator, the renovated overhead lines significantly increase the transmission capacity of the network and ensure the reliable operation of the system, including its potential for connecting new zero-emission generation capacities.

The investments made in 2025 in ESO’s 110/20 kV substations’ outdoor switchgear facilities also demonstrate ambitious results. Complete reconstruction and commissioning have been carried out at the outdoor switchgear facilities in the 110/20 kV substations in Valchedram (Montana Region), Emka (Sevlievo), Kresna (Blagoevgrad Region), Omurtag (Targovishte Region), Hristo Prodanov (Karlovo Municipality), Latex (Byala, Ruse Region), Krivodol (Vratsa Region), Melta (Lovech), Gorna Oryahovitsa-East, and Harmanli.

Modern equipment and automated control systems have been implemented in the substations, enhancing security and enabling rapid response in adverse weather conditions. More than 1,500 hectares have been cleared along overhead power lines.

The vehicle fleet has also been fully prepared for the winter season. High-mobility machinery has been provided. The company now operates 10 UTVs, 4 specialized self-propelled machines, 13 radio-controlled tracked vehicles, 4 high-mobility truck cranes, 46 all-terrain aerial platforms, 15 multifunctional excavators, 216 off-road vehicles, and 5 drones for aerial inspection and monitoring of the network.

The mobile teams are equipped with all necessary communication tools for information exchange, as well as with instruments, spare materials, and clothing suitable for work in specific winter conditions, ESO assured.