Continuous power grid failures due to kite flying

In recent days, the problem of kites getting entangled in power lines, causing localized power outages in the province, has recurred, creating difficulties for the power sector in ensuring continuous and stable electricity supply for production and daily life of the people.

People flying kites got entangled in power lines, causing localized power outages.

The problem of kite flying causing power grid failures is recurring.

According to our research, kite flying is becoming increasingly common in many localities and has become a pastime for some people, especially during the summer. The reason kite flying poses a safety risk to the power grid is that people often fly large kites close to power line corridors. If a kite string breaks and gets caught in power lines or substation equipment, it can cause malfunctions and interrupt the power supply.

At 9:50 PM on June 4th, a power outage occurred on the 374E3.3 power line, affecting 2,290 customers in the communes of Dong Hop, Dong Cac, Dong Dong, Dong Xuan, Dong Quang, Dong My, and the Gia Le industrial zone (Dong Hung). Thai Binh Power Company deployed 16 workers to investigate the cause of the outage and begin repairs. By 10:20 PM on June 4th, the cause was identified as a kite entangled in the power line. Dong Hung Power Company then proceeded to fix the problem, removing the kite and restoring power to customers by 10:55 PM the same day.

At 11:50 AM on May 21st, circuit breaker 471E11.14 tripped, indicating a level 1 fault with fault currents Ia-3500; Ib-3257; Ic-2773. Residents reported a power outage due to a kite entangled in the power lines in the Luc Market area, Thai Xuyen commune (Thai Thuy district). A team from Thai Binh Power Company inspected the site and found the kite entangled in the power line of pole 2, Luc Market branch. Power company workers removed the kite from the line and then restored the 471E11.14 circuit to DCL 40/1. Power company PCT 1040/2023/DLTT completed the repair and restored the section of power line after DCL 40/1, the 471E11.14 Luc Market branch.

These two incidents significantly impacted the daily lives, production, and business activities of people and enterprises, causing particularly substantial losses to production units due to sudden power outages. According to statistics from the electricity sector, in the past five months, the power grid system in the province has experienced 26 incidents caused by kites getting entangled in power lines, resulting in localized power outages.

Efforts are being made to resolve issues related to kites and ensure a stable and safe power supply.

In response to the severe weather conditions, Thai Binh Power Company is making every effort to maintain electricity supply to its customers. To ensure the safe operation of the power system, some areas in the province have been forced to regulate their load, leading to power outages.

Mr. Nguyen Van Ha, a worker in the High-Voltage Grid Operation and Management Team of Thai Binh Power Company, said: "During the recent peak heatwave across the country, outdoor temperatures in many areas reached over 40 degrees Celsius, and the increased demand for electricity put considerable pressure on the system. While everyone sought shade to escape the scorching heat, electricians continued to work tirelessly to ensure continuous and stable power supply for the people. During the peak of the heatwave, the workload of electricians can double or triple compared to normal days. We faced the burning heat, racing against time, working through lunchtime, and even at night. When power outages occurred due to kites getting entangled in power lines, power workers were on the scene promptly, working continuously to restore power to the people as quickly as possible. We hope people will raise their awareness and fly kites far away from power lines to prevent such incidents."

Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung, Deputy Director of Thai Binh Power Company, said: From a simple folk pastime, kite flying has become a "hot" issue, a constant threat to the power industry. Large kites, up to several meters in length, are flown in the sky day and night. In response to this situation, Thai Binh Power Company has organized awareness campaigns, distributed leaflets, and placed warning signs around power lines and substations. They have also increased inspections of power lines to promptly detect, prevent, and warn of dangers; and coordinated with local authorities to strengthen inspections, reminders, and encourage people to protect the safety corridors of power lines and substations. People need to be aware of the importance of flying kites in open spaces, away from power lines and substations, to ensure their own safety and the safety of the power grid system.

To ensure a safe, stable, and continuous electricity supply for production, business, and daily life in the area, Thai Binh Power Company urges local authorities to take decisive action, strictly prohibiting kite flying near high-voltage power lines, and resolutely handling cases of deliberate violations that cause power grid failures. At the same time, customers should cooperate with the power industry during the hot season by increasing energy-saving practices to ensure the safe operation of the power system.

Article 15 of Government Decree No. 17/2022/ND-CP, dated January 31, 2022, amending and supplementing several articles of decrees regulating administrative penalties in the fields of chemicals and industrial explosives; electricity, hydropower dam safety, energy saving and efficiency; commercial activities, production, trading of counterfeit and prohibited goods and consumer protection; oil and gas activities, petroleum and gas business, stipulates: A fine of VND 5,000,000 to VND 10,000,000 shall be imposed for the act of flying kites or any other object that causes power grid incidents.