ANDE begins improvement and digitalization works on the electrical distribution system

Photo: ANDES

Asuncion, IP Agency.- The National Electricity Administration (ANDE) has launched two projects to improve the distribution system nationwide, with the replacement of conductors in thirteen departments and a project to digitalize electrical networks nationwide.

In the Alto Paraná department, the project to replace around 1,000 km of medium voltage conductors and 2,000 km of low voltage conductors with protected conductors was officially launched on Wednesday.

The project will be implemented over the next 3 years with an investment of US$ 82 million in the departments of Concepcion, San Pedro, Cordillera, Guairá, Caaguazú, Caazapá, Itapúa, Misiones, Paraguarí, Upper Paraná, Ñeembucú, Amambay and Presidente Hayes.

This change of conductors allows savings for the state company and greater protection in the distribution systems for medium and low voltage customers. The ANDE implemented a similar project in urban areas of the country in recent years and will begin the change of conductors in rural areas.

Digitalization of electrical networks

ANDE will also begin collecting data for the digitalization of electrical networks nationwide, which involves an investment of US$ 29.5 million and an execution period of 36 months.

The project will allow for an “X-ray showing all the components of the electrical distribution system, whether it be low voltage lines, customer connections, marked poles, public lighting, transformers, medium lines, and also whether they are bare or protected,” explained the director of Smart Grids at ANDE, Gustavo Encina.

This will serve as a basis for implementing smart meters, which will allow direct monitoring and control between devices in homes and businesses, as well as demand control in certain distribution sectors at a given time for a rapid response.

The first phase will cover the Alto Paraná and Canindeyú departments, benefiting 310,000 customers and the industrial and productive sector in those areas.