Vitebsk region reaches 70% use of local fuels in the housing and communal services system

Vitebsk region is approaching 70% utilization of local fuel types in the housing and communal services system

The Vitebsk region is approaching 70% utilization of local fuel types in the housing and communal services (HCS) system, as reported by Anatoly Sudak, Head of the Production and Technical Department of the HCS Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.

Four boilers operating on local fuel types with mechanized loading are planned to be commissioned at three boiler houses in the region for the current heating season. "The boiler in Obol, Shumilino district, has already been commissioned; reconstruction of boiler houses for new equipment is underway in Dubrovno and the village of Khaysy, Vitebsk district. Therefore, considering these facilities, we expect to fulfill the annual plan of 70% of local fuel types in the fuel balance; currently, their share is 68%. We have been commissioning 3-6 new boilers running on local fuel types annually. This work is very timely, as we save about 20% on energy resources," explained Anatoly Sudak.

Communal enterprises in the region are creating necessary reserves of local fuel. 369 thousand cubic meters (82% of the plan) of firewood and wood chips, and 6.7 thousand tons (96%) of peat briquettes have already been procured. Equipped covered warehouses have been prepared for drying and storing solid fuel.

In general, regarding preparations for the heating season, Anatoly Sudak noted that supervisory bodies began inspecting heat sources on August 21. Boiler and heat network equipment tests have been conducted, and preventive maintenance work is underway. "92% of boiler houses and 95% of central heating points are prepared. However, work on readiness passports has just begun – 67 boiler houses out of 536 in the region's HCS system have received them. Repair of heat networks is nearing completion, with 80 km of pipes (almost 80% of the annual target) replaced with pre-insulated ones," added the source.

He also noted the inexpediency of installing individual heat flow regulators for residential buildings, as regulation is carried out from the heat source, and significant funds are required for the installation of devices that essentially duplicate this function. It is expected that the corresponding letter will be signed and sent to the districts in the coming days.

Preparations in the housing stock are at the final stage. As reported by the housing department, 4819 heating points (97%), 117 thousand sq.m. of roofing (80%), and heating systems of 6080 houses (97%) have been repaired.

As winter approaches, the relevance of implementing energy-saving equipment is growing. According to the results of the first half of the year, 29 frequency-controlled electric drives were installed at heat and water supply facilities in the region, 121 pump equipment systems, and 21 obsolete heat exchangers in residential buildings were replaced with more efficient ones.

Ekaterina Knyazeva, BELTA.