Page 57 - KELAG Annual Report 2019

gas in Carinthia, KNG provides non-discriminatory access to energy supply after such an event is exercised under
the grid infrastructure to all customers and energy conditions as realistic as possible.
suppliers. GRI Electric Utilities Sector Disclosures

Investments in grid infrastructure provide important
stimulus for the Carinthian economy and create as well as
safeguard jobs. This facilitates the safe and reliable When electrical energy is transmitted and distributed
operation of the distribution grid for electricity and natural through an electricity grid, energy is physically lost. These
gas. Acting sustainably also means contributing to the losses can be divided into load-independent and load-
security and reliability of energy supply in a forward- dependent losses. The load-dependent losses are mainly
looking manner. Against this backdrop, KNG modernises its Joule heat losses, which occur on account of the ohmic
grid infrastructure on an ongoing basis. KNG implemented resistance of the pipelines and transformers when electrical
an extensive investment and maintenance programme in energy is transmitted. Due to the dependence of the load-
2019 aimed at continuing to guarantee grid customers in dependent losses when the energy is transmitted, these
Carinthia the premium quality of electricity supply to which cannot be significantly influenced by KNG-Kärnten Netz
they are accustomed. The areas of focus were the new GmbH. Load-independent losses include, for example, the
construction and commissioning of the Gmünd substation, loss of iron in transformers, electrical power losses in
the renewal of the 110 kV switchgear at the Radenthein transmission cables or corona power losses in overhead
substation as well as the renewal of the secondary transmission lines. These load-independent losses are
equipment at the Außerfragant substation. In addition, reduced through continuous renewal measures on the
extensive measures were implemented in the medium- distribution grid.
voltage and low-voltage grids. In total, KNG-Kärnten Netz
GmbH invested EUR 65m in grid infrastructure in the
financial year 2019.

The continuous testing of quality standards is key to
ensuring a safe electricity and natural gas grid. For this
reason, KNG obtains certification in the areas of electricity
and natural gas on a regular basis. To ensure and maintain
up-to-date quality standards, regular audits are performed
in these areas.

To be as best prepared as possible for the risk of a blackout,
organisational, technical and practical preparatory
measures are carried out on a continual basis. Crisis
management exercises with emergency services and
authorities are held periodically and employees at the grid
control centre are specially trained for such scenarios. In
addition, isolated operation tests are performed together
with external partners, in which the restoration of the