OREANDA-NEWS. Over the coming decade, the electricity power distribution company LESTO, which is part of the state-owned energy group Lietuvos Energija, plans to carry out substantial modernization of its distribution network. Seeking to ensure reliable, safe and smartly managed services, the company intends to invest 1.7 billion euros into the modernization and renewal of the network by 2025.

The company plans to make the largest investment – 511 million euros– into making the network more resistant to climatic phenomena. Thus, overhead lines will be replaced by subterranean or isolated overhead lines. It is planned to increase the number of such lines from 25% to 40% or build 18 thousand kilometers of underground and isolated lines over the next 11 years.

It is intended to invest 426 million euros into the “Safe and reliable network” program. In the course of the program, unsafe transformers, cable lines and distribution facilities will be replaced by modern equipment corresponding to current standards.

Finally, it is planned to invest 132 million euros towards the improvement of the power voltage quality. This will resolve the problem of inferior voltage for 41,000 users by fixing almost 9,100 km of lines affected by drops in voltage.

LESTO intends to invest 34 million euros into the smart network projects. By 2025, it is planned to implement 7 projects, including the pilot projects of network automation and smart meters, introduction of a single control center and distribution network control system.

The remaining investments will be allocated to the connection of new users, IT systems upgrade and other measures.

LESTO aims to make the investments gradually, so as to minimize the effect on electricity rates.  Investments will have a positive impact on the national economy. The company plans to finance the investments using funds collected from power distribution activities and long term credits.

Most of LESTO’s electric power facilities were constructed in 1960–1980, during the electrification of Lithuania, when most of the lines and transformers were installed.