Digitalization and automation of the grids transform electrical grids into Smart Grid, needed for the development of modern cities. This applies both to the management of network infrastructure and the development of digital solutions for customers, including the registration of new grid connections. Ivan Geliukh, CEO of DTEK Grids, spoke about this during the panel discussion "Ukraine 30. Digitalization", which took place under the All-Ukrainian Forum "Ukraine 30".
“Automation, digital technologies, smart meters are the basis for the implementation of Smart Grids that operate with minimal human intervention and reliably provide customers with sustainable electricity. In most countries, the development of Smart Grid is automated, modern, customer-oriented, and is the foundation for the development of smart cities and regions. DTEK Grids systematically implements automation and digitalization technologies in order to transform Ukrainian grids into a modern Smart Grid, infrastructure for the development of Ukraine,” Ivan Geliukh said during the forum.
He added that digitalization of power grids has 2 directions. First of all, digitalization and automation of the grids themselves, which will allow to manage them more efficiently, minimize the number of accidents and time needed to eliminate them. Secondly, digitalization of customer experience.
“DTEK Grids implements digital channels for interaction with customers - websites, chatbots, personal accounts, which allow online monitoring and fullfilment of customer requests, including registration of new grid connections. In all our companies, DTEK DSOs, we make this process public, open. The customer can apply online without any intermediaries on the principle of "single window": fill out an application on the site, add scans of documents. Physically, you need to come to the company's office only once to finally sign the documents and receive technical documentation,"said Ivan Geliukh.
He added that in 2020, DTEK Grids DSOs completed 98% of customers’ grid connection applications within the deadlines set by the law. Exceptions are only for those connections where deadlines were delayed due to permitting procedures that do not depend on the company, such as land allocation. Therefore, in addition to the company's efforts to simplification of grid connection, changes are also needed in the process of obtaining permits - the approval process, the process of land allocation.
“DTEK supports current legislative initiatives to simplify grid connection procedure. We were among the experts who worked on the proposals to improve it. Grid connection – is one of the important components of assessing the ease of doing business in the country and its attractiveness to investors in the Doing Busines ranking, so our focus is on its simplification and improvement of Ukraine's position," said Ivan Geliukh
