OREANDA-NEWS. July 30, 2012. Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Karelia Vladimir Semenov and General Director of IDGC of the North-West, JSC Sergey Titov, in the course of joint consultations, discussed the issues of development of the electric power grid complex of the Republic of Karelia under the conditions of merger of two major grid companies of Russia: FGC and IDGC Holding, reported the press-centre of IDGC Holding.

The working meeting was participated in by Director of Karelenergo branch of IDGC of the North-West Yefim Ashkinezer.

General Director of IDGC of the North-West Sergey Titov spoke of the first steps jointly taken and of the prospects for the electric power grid complex unification within the framework of the Federal Grid Company – IDGC Holding partnership. The task most urgently relevant and critical is preparation for 2012–2013 autumn / winter season. By October 15 IDGC of the North-West plans to obtain a certificate of preparedness; accordingly, joint actions for prevention and elimination of complicated technological disturbances are already in the process of agreement and drilling, one having established close interaction with the Head Administration of EMERCOM for the Republic of Karelia, the republican headquarters in charge of ensuring power supply security and authorities of different levels.

Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Karelia Vladimir Semenov qualified the two major grid companies merger as a milestone event for Russian power industry and expressed his firm belief that unification of grids of all voltage classes into a single national-scale company will improve reliability of power supply and have a positive effect on the country economy development. He also noted that power industry companies bear a high social responsibility.

“Residents of towns, settlements and villages often appeal to deputies of the Legislative Assembly and to me personally for assisting in enhancing power supply quality and avoidance of frequent blackouts,” – said Vladimir Semenov. “As a power industry specialist and former Karelenergo Director, I understand perfectly well that the branch of IDGC of the North-West does its best to keep the electric power grid complex in order; I see examples of prompt response to requests of residents and enterprises of the republic. I hope that the unification of FGC and IDGC efforts, consolidation of investment and repairs programs will enable a serious step forward towards the electric power grid complex update and modernization”.