Zhengzhou, Henan: Power Grid Upgrades Safeguard a Warm Winter in Rural Areas

Staff carry out live-line operations

Photo by Xiao Xiao

As electric heating becomes increasingly common in rural areas of Zhengzhou, Henan Province, the demand for stronger grid capacity and higher supply reliability during the winter season has grown significantly. The State Grid Zhengzhou Power Supply Company has strengthened the local grid through infrastructure upgrades and smart O&M technologies, weaving a comprehensive protection network to ensure warm and safe winters for rural residents.

Recently, to facilitate the renovation of the 10 kV Funiu No. 4 distribution station under Zhide Substation, the Company dispatched emergency repair teams to perform live-line connection of flexible cables to the 10 kV Zhide Line. By redirecting the electrical load, the operation was completed without interrupting power supply, optimizing the regional grid structure and greatly improving reliability.

To tackle key challenges in rural distribution network maintenance, the State Grid Zhengzhou Power Supply Company established a dedicated distribution O&M team and developed a multi-dimensional digital operation system. Drones are used to inspect complex mountain-line corridors, addressing blind spots in manual patrols. Digital work orders enable closed-loop management and improve response efficiency. Geospatial circuit maps were generated by cross-checking distribution network diagrams against actual network assets, significantly reducing on-site processing time. The power distribution automation system monitors line conditions in real time to provide early warnings of potential hazards. Smart fault indicators installed on main and major branch lines in mountainous areas support automated fault analysis and rapid fault section localization, cutting average troubleshooting time by about two hours.

The upgraded grid now reliably supports the concurrent use of household electric heating equipment such as air conditioners and electric blankets. It also meets the electricity needs of local agricultural operations, including automated greenhouse irrigation and seedling lighting, ensuring stable power supply for both residential living and industrial development.