A new local Dispatch Centre for managing the 10 and 0.4 kV network in the areas of Nikšić, Vilusi, Grahovo, Golija and Plužine (Region 1) opened today in Nikšić. Operating the Dispatch Centre in its new, modernly equipped premises will significantly contribute to greater stability in the operation of the electricity distribution system, as well as more efficient communication between the system management and maintenance sectors.
“The new centre will enable faster and more efficient responses on the network, particularly in emergency situations, which are an inherent part of work in the electricity system. In addition, by resolving faults more efficiently, the duration of outages will be greatly reduced, which is our ultimate goal,” said Vojislav Čanović, Head of the Region 1 Local Network Management Service.
Vojislav Čanović
Six dispatchers will work at the Dispatch Centre in Nikšić, on 12-hour shifts. Dispatchers’ work managing the network and coordinating the activities of around 20 field crews is organised around the clock. The importance of establishing the Dispatch Centre is further underscored by the previous daily average of more than 100 calls from customers to dispatchers in Region 1.
“The dispatcher’s job is extremely responsible and demanding, and their main task is to manage the 10 kV and 0.4 kV networks. In addition, they approve switching orders for work, issue work permits, coordinate crew activities and make decisions about changes to the network’s switching configuration, all with the aim of ensuring that as few customers as possible are left without electricity due to faults and other network problems. Dispatchers also receive fault reports, forward information about faults to the relevant maintenance and metering services, and monitor the progress of fault repairs,” Čanović emphasised.
Region 1 (the municipalities of Nikšić and Plužine) serves more than 34,000 customers and manages over 600 substations with a voltage level of 10/0.4 kV, as well as ten 35/10 kV substations and three 35/0.4 kV substations. Across the area covered by the Municipality of Nikšić (3,000 km2), there are 150 km of overhead and nine km of underground 35 kV lines, as well as 650 km of overhead and 70 km of underground 10 kV lines, along with around 1,500 km of overhead and 60 km of underground 0.4 kV network.
“Following the model of the dispatch centres for Podgorica and Danilovgrad, as well as this one in Nikšić, we will endeavour to organise a similar centre in Region 3 (Berane, Plav, Gusinje, Petnjica, Andrijevica and Rožaje) in the coming period,” said Slobodan Kovačević, Head of the Local Network Management Centre, adding “that the new Centre will allow work to be carried out to a much higher standard, while data updates will be taken to a higher level. Dispatchers will also no longer be burdened with duties at the substation itself relating to switching equipment off and on.”
The new premises of the local Dispatch Centre are located in the Region 1 administrative building in Nikšić and are equipped with the basic technology required for dispatchers to perform their work.
Efficient network management is a key factor in ensuring a stable electricity distribution system. By monitoring network loads every day and analysing and recording conditions at substations and on lines, the system is protected from overload, while customers are provided with a reliable electricity supply.
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