Krems District Takes Action Against Frost Threatening Power Lines

As temperatures in Lower Austria continue to plummet, the district of Krems faces significant challenges in maintaining essential infrastructure. The recent spell of severe cold, accompanied by persistent frost, has placed local power lines under considerable strain, prompting a coordinated response from utility teams tasked with ensuring the security and reliability of the region's electricity supply.

The combination of freezing temperatures and heavy frost led to the accumulation of ice on trees and overhead power lines. This build-up increases the risk of trees collapsing under the weight of the ice, with the potential to damage nearby high-voltage lines. Such incidents can result in power outages and pose safety risks to both personnel and residents.

In response to these conditions, teams from Netz NÖ, a subsidiary of the regional energy provider EVN, have intensified their monitoring and maintenance activities. Despite the adverse weather, technicians have been conducting regular inspections along vulnerable power line sections, equipped with specialized tools to measure and uphold required safety clearances. Their efforts focus on preventing disruptions and mitigating the hazards posed by heavy frost accumulation.

Several sections of the high-voltage network have been identified as particularly susceptible to ice-related issues. Teams have been dispatched to areas including Schuss-Sallingberg, Sallingberg-Zwettl, Stratzdorf-Ottenstein, Horn-Waidhofen, and Eggenburg-Japons-Waidhofen. In these locations, staff use ground-based measuring rods to assess the distance between electrical lines and potential obstructions. Where ice build-up reduces the safety margin, immediate action is taken to avert incidents.

When necessary, sections of the overhead lines are temporarily de-energized to allow for safe removal of the frost. Technicians employ specialized de-icing rods to clear ice from the conductor cables, restoring safe operating conditions before power supply is resumed. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of outages and ensures that the infrastructure can withstand ongoing severe weather events.

Efforts to combat the effects of frost are carried out with strict adherence to safety protocols, reflecting the high-risk environment in which utility workers operate during extreme winter conditions. The ongoing vigilance ensures that electricity supply in the Krems district remains stable, even as the region continues to experience harsh weather. The work of these teams highlights the critical role of infrastructure maintenance in safeguarding essential services and protecting public safety during the winter months.

Authorities and energy companies in Lower Austria emphasize the importance of early detection and swift intervention in maintaining network stability. Continuous monitoring and rapid response to emerging threats are central to their strategy, helping to prevent large-scale disruptions and maintain the reliability of the region's electrical grid throughout the cold season.