CEZ Distribuce to invest record Kc18.6bn in its grid this year

Prague, May 21 (CTK) - CEZ Distribuce, which operates the largest electricity distribution network in the Czech Republic, will invest Kc18.6bn in the transmission system this year, the biggest amount ever, parent company CEZ told CTK in a press release today.

"We are continuously implementing investments in the development, renewal and strengthening of the distribution system so that we are able to connect the requirements of our customers. This year, we are investing Kc1.5bn more than last year," CEZ Distribuce head Martin Zmelik said.

The company is investing Kc1bn more year on year in measures for faster connection of customers' renewable energy sources, especially their photovoltaic power plants. This will cost Kc8.3bn this year.

CEZ is thus responding to a large increase in customer demands for connecting new sources to the grid. Last year, the company connected a record 52,109 photovoltaic power plants with an installed capacity of 605.5 MW to its grid. So far this year, the company has processed more than 18,700 applications for connection of new power generation plants, in the vast majority of cases photovoltaic plants. So far, 7,800 new plants have been connected.

In addition to connecting new sources, investments will also be directed to the development of other distribution facilities, including reconstruction or construction of new transmission substations.

All domestic electricity system operators expect an increase in their investments. In the next few years, the total costs of reinforcing the systems will probably increase by 38 percent a year to almost Kc40bn. However, the exact financial costs will depend on the conditions of state subsidies.

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