Electricity distribution is also ensured during storms: Preparedness for faults is a part of everyday life at Caruna

When preparing for storms, the weather forecast is one of the most important tools for an electricity network company. When a storm approaches, Caruna receives a dangerous weather forecast from the authorities, which is compared to the company's previous knowledge and experience. After that, practical measures will also be taken to prepare for the storm.

"When a storm approaches, we notify customers of a possible severe storm, ask more employees to our customer service, and reserve contractors and warn them of the situation", says Jarmo Ström, Caruna's Operations Manager.

Contractors play an important role in securing electricity distribution, which is why contractors also start preparing well in advance. 

"When we receive a warning from Caruna that a storm is approaching, we ask more on-call workers to work as ordered, prepare the necessary equipment and ensure that cars and chainsaws, for example, are ready for use. Our staff is also preparing for exceptionally long and hard working days, as repairing storm faults is demanding work", says Dennis Randström from N3M Power.

Even though storms are exceptional, preparing for faults is part of Caruna's everyday life. Caruna must always be prepared for common faults, such as material defects and overload situations. However, preparedness for storm-induced faults is more extensive than usual, as there may be more faults.

The systems automatically alert of faults in the electrical network 

Typical defects caused by storms include, for example, trees felled by the wind or branches broken on top of the electricity network.

"We automatically receive alerts about power cuts to our operating control room, and we can even get information from the meters about building-specific and individual faults. In practice, therefore, we always know if there are faults in the electricity network. However, it is advisable to report for example low-hanging power lines or open hatches of electrical equipment to our fault service, so that no one is endangered", Ström points out.

Contractors are also quickly informed of the location of the fault. The aim is to limit the fault area to a minimum as quickly as possible.

"Caruna's operation control room gives us instructions on where we need to go. We patrol the area by car, ATV or on foot and will fix the fault on site as soon as possible. We always work in pairs, because for safety reasons, repair and clearing work is never done alone. In these jobs, even a small mistake can be fatal", Randström points out.

"In the summer, pole transformer substations that have burned down due to lightning strikes are also typical. Correspondingly, in winter, snow loads pose the most challenges. If a lot of snow falls at night, and morning frosts freeze it, trees may fall due to snow load. In this case, instead of a few faults, there may be as many as 10–15 faults", Randström continues. 

The customer can use Caruna's outage map to monitor which areas are affected by power cuts and how the repair is progressing. Interim information is also provided on the website or via SMS.

"Caruna's customers have been very helpful during storms. They have even given us rides in the archipelago to places that we would not otherwise be able to get to during the weather breakdown. Sometimes someone also offers snacks", Randström says.

Post-storm repairs are carried out

After the storm, contractors will carry out possible repairs and, if necessary, replace poles that have been supported during the storm with temporary solutions. Contractors also go through storms in regular meetings with Caruna.

In addition, Caruna is obliged to report all faults and interruptions in electricity distribution, as the authorities monitor the quality of the network company.

"After fierce storms, we may also send customers a final summary that everything is now in order. If necessary, we also ask them to contact us if something still requires corrective measures", Ström says. 

Here's how to act in storm situations: Caruna's and contractors tips for storms

1. Make sure that your contact information is up to date at Caruna so that you receive information during storms. If possible, also follow the outage map. You can update your contact information in Caruna+: https://plus.caruna.fi/person/userinfo

2. If you notice a potential dangerous situation, report it primarily via the outage map chat or to the fault number (0800 195 011). Do not go near a faulty electrical device, but keep a safe distance of about 20 meters. If the situation is acute, prevent others from coming to the scene as well.

3. Be patient. Repair and clearance work must be carried out carefully and with safety in mind, so that all employees can also get home safely. Contractors do their best in every storm.