Ministry approves plan to enhance Russian energy system security

MOSCOW, June 24 (RIA Novosti) - Russian Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko has approved a plan to ensure the Russian energy system's security.

The new measures envisage the state's enhanced control and supervision of the energy sector and the protection of electricity facilities from unauthorized access and tampering, after the May 25 blackout that swept parts of the city and neighboring regions, leaving thousands of people displaced.

Khristenko said electricity monopoly Unified Energy Systems' outdated infrastructure, including its switching stations, power grids and dispatch service, must be replaced.

Khristenko also proposed intensifying work on a set of technical regulations to ensure the safety and reliability of the electric and thermal power supply and the safe maintenance of nuclear power plants.

UES personnel and those of independent electric companies are scheduled to undergo a special appraisal.

Khristenko also said proposals would be made on enhancing supervision during the ongoing energy sector reform.

The power outage affected hospitals, businesses and the metro, which had to evacuate passengers stuck underground.