Henan Nanyang : “Community Line Protection Team” Becomes the Backbone of Rural Power Facility Protection

“With strong winds frequent in autumn, fallen branches and leaves can jeopardize line safety. These overgrown trees need trimming,” remarked Li Qiang on October 31. As a “community line protector” from Jiangying Village in Houji Town, Zhenping County, Nanyang City, Henan Province, he noticed potential safety hazards in the power line corridors while passing the village’s western edge. Without hesitation, he reported them via the “community line protection” WeChat group to the Houji Power Supply Station, whose staff promptly addressed the safety concerns.

Li Qiang is one of over 50 “externally recruited” line protectors affiliated with the Houji Power Supply Station. In rural areas, the complex environment and extensive distribution of power lines and equipment complicate maintenance and repairs, affecting the speed and efficiency of fault resolution and hazard management. To achieve “community-based prevention and governance” of rural power facilities and ensure safe, stable, and reliable electricity for residents, State Grid Nanyang Power Supply Company’s grassroots stations utilize the community’s local geographic knowledge and strong enthusiasm for line protection by developing line protectors along 10kV lines. Customer managers at the power stations either create new WeChat groups or join existing ones for their managed grids, service villages, and high-voltage lines, inviting local residents to participate. Regular updates in these groups share information on power facility protection, anti-damage management practices, power regulations, and tips for safe, green, and efficient electricity use, encouraging community involvement in line protection efforts.

“We utilize WeChat groups for bidirectional interaction in line protection and service,” explained Hou Yao, director of the Houji Power Supply Station. “Line protectors can quickly report line faults, defects, and illegal electricity use by ‘snap and share’ photos with time, location, and content clearly visible, allowing us to promptly organize on-site responses.” During this year’s peak summer period, community line protectors assisted in resolving over 200 hazards and defects, significantly contributing to the safe and stable operation of the power grid. Additionally, community line protectors actively engage in clearing village distribution line corridors, rectifying line housing-related hazards, managing unauthorized line use, promoting safe electricity practices, and coordinating power facility protection. Their involvement has established them as true guardians of grid safety.

Currently, more than 3,600 power service WeChat groups have been set up locally, with over 10,000 participants. These volunteer line protectors serve as inspectors of low-voltage defects, troubleshooters of low-voltage faults, mediators of line-tree and line house conflicts, advocates for safe electricity use, protectors of power facilities, and communication officers. Their dedicated efforts have fostered a culture of caring for and protecting power lines in rural areas, effectively enhancing the grid’s safety and operational stability.