Lishui, Zhejiang: Live-line work enhances power supply reliability

"We are currently in Xikeng village, where the temperature feels like more than 40 Celsius degrees. The insulated clothing for pole work weighs 2 kilograms, and we wear triple-layered insulated gloves during line operations."

Beneath the 10 kV Chaoyuan Line, live-line workers from State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power are geared up, preparing to perform a live-line connection of fuse cutout leads atop high-voltage wires.

Amid persistently high temperatures, surging demand for residential cooling and industrial electricity has strained the 10 kV Chaoyuan Line. To meet growing power needs while minimizing disruption to residents and businesses, the company adopted a "zero-perception" live-line method. By adding fuse cutout leads on Pole #02, they optimized load distribution and enhanced power supply reliability.

"Insulation complete, phase correct — prepare arc-extinguishing tools."

On-site, a worker secured his safety belt, stepped onto foot spikes and climbed steadily up the pole. One team member monitored and passed tools, while the other performed like he was "dancing on a knife's edge": meticulously wrapping live wires and adjacent parts with insulation to build a secure barrier, then using specialized tools to hold his breath and precisely clamp the leads for phased live connections.

Every touch and tightening demanded extreme caution — ensuring robust connections while directing high-voltage currents along safe paths. Ground crews monitored every detail through binoculars and radios, issuing real-time safety commands to weave a multi-level safety protection net. After nearly an hour, the leads were safely connected, optimizing the line's load.

"During the critical summer peak period, live-line pole work is riskier and more challenging," said Zheng Xing, the on-site supervisor.

"But to ensure uninterrupted power for residents and businesses along this line and avoid planned outages, the effort is worth it. It's a test of both skill and will."

This operation significantly boosted the Chaoyuan Line's capacity and flexibility, preventing disruptions from traditional outage-based methods and delivering on the principle that "uninterrupted power is the best service".

As the summer power security campaign intensifies, State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power intends to continue advancing live-line techniques, striving for?zero power outages, zero energy loss and zero customer perception — elevating power supply service standards.