Investments of 2.2 billion until 2026 to strengthen the Greek power grid

The smart electricity consumption meters that will replace the 7.3 million old-fashioned meters of the PPC, the undergrounding of distribution networks and the upgrading of substations and medium and low voltage lines to accommodate RES are some of the big projects running through HEDNO S.A. (Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator S.A.)   for five years.

The five-year 2022-2026 electricity distribution network development plan was put up by the Regulatory Authority for Energy-RAE for public consultation.

The three multi-page volumes detailing the 139 projects worth €2.2bn are accompanied by an introductory note from the Managing Director Anastasios Manos, who emphasizes that the focus of the investments is digital transformation and the modernization of the distribution network to provide better quality services.

In detail, the categories of projects and the distribution of investments are as follows:

1. Network Enhancement:

71 projects amounting to 255.71 million euros are included. They refer to projects to build new or strengthen existing networks, which are planned and implemented at the initiative of the Administrator, without association with specific requests to connect new users, and aim to:

· to an increase in the network’s load handling capacity, due to the spatial and temporal evolution of the demand for electricity distribution services

· in the improvement of the operating conditions of the network, with the main driver-parameter being the service of demand (load and production)

· to reduce technical network losses.

2. Network Replacement and Renewal

32 projects amounting to 437.91 million euros are included.

They aim to deal with the normal wear and tear of the Network equipment at the end of its economically useful life or to modernize it, with the aim of improving the exploitation of the network and the quality of the services provided.

· This category also includes the projects included in the Recovery Fund: Upgrading of npower distribution etworks in forest areas in the amount of 117.90 million euros

· Strengthening Resilience and Environmental Protection in the amount of 164.23 million euros

3. Other Network Projects

14 projects with a budget of 607.62 million euros are included.

Of these 525.22 million euros will be allocated for telemetering systems, i.e. the smart electricity consumption meters in all homes and businesses.

4. Investments in Support of Regulated Activities.

19 projects amounting to 307.04 million euros are included

Investments refer to stadiums, building facilities and equipment, vehicles, machinery, IT and telecommunications systems/equipment and applications, workshop equipment and tools, office equipment, etc.

5. Aesthetic upgrade

These are projects worth 18.20 million euros and concern the undergrounding of medium and low voltage overhead lines.

These projects are not imposed by economic and technical reasons or reasons to observe safety distances, etc., but are carried out for the aesthetic improvement of the Network of cities, as well as traditional and tourist settlements. These projects are planned at the request of entities, which participate in the cost of implementation.

6. Network Variations 87.78 cm.

These are projects worth 87.78 million euros and have to do with network variations, shifting or other changes of sections of the network lines, which are carried out either to comply with the legally prescribed minimum safety distances from buildings under construction, or due to the execution of public works or local administration projects, or because the network prevents the legal use of properties.

In addition, variations can be performed at the request of institutions or individuals without the aforementioned reasons. In this case, the cost of the variations shall be borne by the applicants.

7. User hook-up

Included are projects of 481 million euros concerning the construction of new and/or the strengthening of existing network infrastructure (transmission substations, distribution substations, low/medium tension networks, customer services, metering devices), which is required due to the connection of new Users or due to a change in requirements existing Users (producers and consumers) of the Network, upon their request.

Street lighting projects are also included in this category