TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

The Electronic Systems and Telecommunications section deals mainly with the development and support of the EAC’s electronic, telecommunications and security systems.

Optical Telecommunications Network

The EAC’s Optical Telecommunications Network, which was established in 2000, links 21 substations, power stations and Area Offices. This network provides the communication facilities for the SCADA/EMS system, teleprotection, telephone, ripple control, IT and other services.

During 2007, two of the system’s digital multiplexers were upgraded while a number of new telecommunication channels were created, mainly for the networking of telephone systems, the protection of transmission lines and the IT network.

Optical Fibre Network

The Authority utilises an extensive overhead and underground optical fibre network. In 2007, work was carried out on the network for the interconnection of three new transmission substations and for six cases of repair/relocation work.

Also, additional optical fibre circuits were made available to the EAC’s two strategic partners in telecommunications.

Telephone Network

The integration of all the EAC’s area and power station telephone systems into a single unified telephone network was completed in 2007. The major part of this network is used for the EAC’s optical fibre telephone system.

The Paphos telephone system was expanded and upgraded while a new system was installed in the Paralimni Call Centre and the Polis Chrysochous stores. The system serving the IT section, the Energy Control Centre (ECC) and the Islandwide Faults Reporting Centre (IFRC) was also upgraded.  

At the same time, the project to upgrade the telephone system in the Nicosia-Kyrenia-Morphou Area offices is in its final stages and is due to be completed at the beginning of 2008. Furthermore, the Famagusta-Larnaca Area was added to the Voicemail system.

With the expansion of the Islandwide Faults Reporting Centre (IFRC) to the Faults Reporting Centres (FRC) in all districts, new reliable telecommunications circuits connecting the IFRC with the FRCs were introduced in the form of hotlines.

Preparatory work began on an integrated telephone exchange that will serve all the needs of EAC customers.

Emergency Telephone Network

The Emergency Telephone Network was expanded so as to include the Backup Monitoring Centre and Vasilikos power station.

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and Energy Management System (SCADA/EMS)

The on-line and real-time Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and Energy Management System (SCADA/EMS) has been in service since 1997. It provides facilities for the monitoring and controlling of the generation, transmission and primary distribution systems through the Energy Control Centre (ECC) and the Area Distribution Control Centres.

Implementation of the SCADA/EMS system was expanded during 2007 to include the monitoring of three additional transmission substations, while the monitoring and control systems of six more substations were upgraded.

All the above projects were carried out in full cooperation with the TSO.

Load Management System (Ripple Control)

This system is used for the load management of controllable loads on consumer premises (storage heaters, central airconditioning/heating systems, water pumps, street lighting etc.) using the transmission and distribution network as a communications medium.

During 2007 a study on the expansion/upgrading of the system was completed and its findings are due to be submitted for implementation during 2009-2010.

Security Systems

The installation of a security system (CCTV and intrusion alarm) for the new Polis Chrysochous stores was completed and the system was connected to the security System at the Agia Varvara stores for monitoring and protection purposes. Technical specifications were drawn up for the supply and installation of a security alarm and surveillance system for the Nicosia Area Offices, Nicosia stores, Famagusta-Larnaca area offices and the Strovolos Customer Service Centre.

A pilot lightning conductor system was installed in the Nicosia stores. A similar system is planned for other Authority buildings.

Civil Defence

Work has progressed on the creation of an emergency Civil Defence operations centre at the EAC’s Head Offices.