EMS vows to keep power transmission system in Serbia running smoothly

Elektromreža Srbije – EMS, operator of the electricity transmission system in Serbia, said it undertook all necessary measures to keep it secure and stable amid the state of emergency imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

All employees that can are working at their homes, while those who have essential tasks to maintain substations and overhead lines have clear instructions, Elektromreža Srbije said. EMS, responsible for power transmission in entire Serbia, stressed it has rolled out specific guidelines to adapt activities to the state of emergency that started this week to manage the spread of COVID-19.

The public company said the coronavirus won’t affect the functioning of more than 10,000 kilometers of high-voltage long-distance lines it controls. EMS underscored it executed all necessary actions to keep the system secure and stable and that there was no change in the investment schedule.

The firm said it is complying with the government’s orders and that it is taking into account the importance of its employees’ health and safety, especially those who are at risk.

There is enough protective equipment and disinfectants for now and security has been strengthened at the National Control Center

EMS noted it has strategic significance for Serbia and added its workers have already overcome difficult situations and emergencies like the 1999 bombing and floods and other natural disasters. Crisis teams have been formed in time and priorities were determined, according to which tasks were distributed, the company said.

The statement reveals it has sufficient supplies of protective equipment and disinfectants for essential employees for now. EMS said it boosted security at the National Control Center. In a message to citizens, it claimed the transmission system would operate smoothly despite difficult circumstances.

Elektroprivreda Srbije, the dominant, state-owned coal miner and power producer, earlier said it introduced emergency measures but didn’t specify them.