Latvia braces for Baltic power grid disconnection risks
The president of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, emphasised that provocations cannot be ruled out in connection with the planned disconnection of the Baltic countries from the Russian-Belarusian power grid. Consequently, Latvian and foreign services have been placed on the highest alert.
President Rinkēvičs highlighted that disconnecting from the Russian-Belarusian network and synchronising with the European transmission system is crucial for strengthening Latvia's national security. This is another step following the move away from Russian natural gas and oil.
Prime Minister Evika Siliņa assured that all responsible bodies and the armed forces are engaged in this process to prevent potential hybrid threats.
- All our responsible bodies and armed forces are involved in this process to prevent potential hybrid threats - assured the head of the Latvian government. She also added that there is a "contingency plan" for various events.
Riga ready for changes
The Riga city council, after a meeting of the Civil Defence Commission, confirmed full preparedness for the network switch and the uninterrupted provision of municipal services and functioning of the city's infrastructure. Mayor Vilnis Ķirsis reassured residents and visitors that they do not need to overly prepare for the changes.
You don't need to overly prepare for this or change your habits - said the mayor.
Officials warn, however, that during the switching process, which will begin late evening on Friday and last until Sunday, there may be occasional voltage spikes. It is recommended to charge phones in advance and refuel cars, and if leaving home, disconnect sensitive equipment such as computers from the network.
The switching process
The Baltic countries are the last in the European Union not yet connected to the continental European CESA transmission system. They operate within the BRELL energy cooperation that uses post-Soviet infrastructure. The decision to abandon this system was made over 10 years ago, and Russia's attack on Ukraine in February 2022 accelerated this process.
The network switch will begin in Lithuania, where local lines will be connected to those in Poland, and it will conclude in Estonia. This process is crucial for the energy independence of the region.
