Xiaogan Power Supply Company: Guardians of the Power Supply Line for the Beijing–Guangzhou High-Speed Railway

As the Chinese New Year approaches, deep within the mountain ridges of the Dabie Mountains in Xiaochang County, Hubei Province, two staff members from the Transmission Operation and Inspection Branch of State Grid Xiaogan Power Supply Company made their way toward the summit of Bijia Mountain at an altitude of 700 meters. They were patrolling the 220 kV Minfeng Line I and Line II, which supply power to the Shijiazhuang–Wuhan section of the Beijing–Guangzhou High-Speed Railway, building a solid power supply safeguard for Spring Festival travel through their steadfast dedication.

Power personnel verify power facilities using a drone

Photo by Yu Jianbing

After a strenuous hike lasting nearly an hour, Liu Jidong and Leng Zhenghao finally reached Tower No. 73 of Minfeng Line I and Line II at the mountain peak. They skillfully used anemometers and thermometers to measure wind speed, temperature, and humidity at the summit, accurately recording every set of data. They then used binoculars to carefully observe the swaying of the lines in strong winds and promptly reported the data to the work group chat, ensuring the control center could monitor the operational status of the lines in real time.

To ensure the hazard inspection left no blind spots or omissions, they also operated drones to conduct comprehensive, close-range inspections of key components such as the tower body and conductor and ground wire connections. They focused on checking whether conductor and ground wire joints showed signs of damage or overheating and whether fittings and insulators were intact. Through drone imaging, every potential hazard point was clearly recorded and preserved, providing a precise basis for subsequent corrective maintenance.

At a time of festive lights and family reunions, numerous power grid employees forgo time with their families to remain at their posts and stand guard in silence. They traverse mountainous transmission lines on foot, safeguard grid security with data, and embody the mission of “People’s Electricity for the People” through practical actions. (Text by Du Yuan, Yu Jianbing, Xie Zhiming, Wang Zhengpan)