Large-scale blackout in the European high-voltage power supply system unlikely

8/19/2003Wien

On the basis of first analyses of the events in the USA and in Canada the VERBUND-Austrian Power Grid AG (APG) board of management thinks that a similar big blackout in the European high-voltage power supply system is unlikely to occur thanks to the very dense networks, the small control zones, and the distribution of the power-generating capacities.

In Austria the electricity supply system is relatively secure and meets the European standard. In the case of faults in the system regional power failures may occur. Therefore, the long-planned construction of the 380 kV North-South-lines in Styria and in Salzburg must be carried out soon to guarantee the electricity supply in Austria in the future.