On 4 February 2020, a meeting of the Board of Directors of IDGC of Centre, PJSC (operating under the brand name Rosseti Centre) was held, at which the Program “Digital Transformation of IDGC of Centre, PJSC and IDGC of Centre and Volga Region, PJSC 2020-2030” (hereinafter referred to as the Program) was approved.

The Program was developed in order to implement the Concept “Digital Transformation 2030” of PJSC Rosseti and is divided into three stages. At the first stage in 2019-2024 it is planned to implement existing technologies that form the hardware and information basis for further development, partial digitalization of production processes, piloting promising technologies. At this stage, it is planned to implement such key projects as the “Unified Grid Control Centre (UGCC)”, “Digital Substation”, “Digital Distribution Zone”, “Electric Power Storage”, “Digital Electrician”, “Digital Radio Communication” and some others. At the second stage in 2023-2026 it is planned to form a single IT platform and a single data source by integrating existing databases, as well as implementing technologies that have shown effectiveness in piloting. At the final, third stage in 2026-2030 it is planned to implement technologies for working with big data and machine learning technologies. The implementation of the technologies of the second stage will be completed and the use of the most effective and sought-after technologies will continue.

According to the results of the implementation of the measures of the first stage of the Company, it is expected to obtain the following effects:

• 100% coverage of the territory of the companies by Digital Radio Communication (DMR);
• Unified Grid Control Centres of 0.4-220 kV;
• creation of 16 Digital Substations;
• implementation of the Digital Electrician technology;
• creation of 30 Digital Distribution Zones;
• testing the technology of using energy storage devices;
• modernization of the Glonass system throughout the fleet of vehicles of the enterprises;
• development of a corporate information resource management system (ERP), including in the framework of work with losses and asset management;
• implementation of new value-added services, including self-service terminals;
• expanding staff competencies in the field of digital technologies;
• development of an information security system;
• completion of piloting promising technologies.

The total investment of Rosseti Centre and Rosseti Centre and Volga Region in the implementation of the activities of the first stage of the Program (up to 2024 inclusive) will amount to 53.71 billion rubles with VAT and 40.52 billion rubles with VAT, respectively. The activities of the Program will be financed within the limits of the Investment Program and the Business Plan of the Companies. The Programs for Rosseti Centre and Rosseti Centre and Volga Region are economically viable with a payback period of less than 10 years, which will be achieved by reducing electric energy losses, increasing net supply, enhancing labour productivity, developing value-added services and reducing capital costs.

The main effect from the implementation of all these measures will be a decrease in the failure rate in grids and an increase in the responsiveness to technological violations. The implementation of the Program opens up new opportunities for the accelerated development of grid infrastructure while increasing the profitability of the companies’ business. In addition, the implementation of digital solutions will ensure the infrastructure is ready for new technological challenges.