Vidzeme municipalities plan to buy dozens more generators

Vidzeme municipalities are reviewing their crisis preparedness after a destructive storm and plan to buy more generators, LSM reported. Officials said most critical infrastructure is equipped with backup power, but municipalities still need to secure fuel reserves, access to fuel and communications in the event of a prolonged power outage.

In Madona Municipality, backup power has been prioritised for water utility facilities, healthcare institutions and long-term social care facilities. Mobile generators are also held by the municipality’s parish associations, with an average of two at each.

However, the municipality acknowledged that its current reserves would be insufficient during a prolonged winter crisis. Madona has prepared procurement documents for about 80 generators, ranging from small, mobile six-and-a-half-kilowatt units to generators with an output of up to 200 kilowatts, said Māris Justs, deputy chair of the Madona municipal council.

Justs said fuel shortages could pose a problem if the generators had to operate for an extended period.

Gulbene Municipality currently has 21 generators and plans to buy 10 more to equip shelters. Solar panels installed at several municipal facilities provide an additional solution during power outages.

The municipality also demonstrated its most powerful generator so far, with an output of 100 kilowatts. Gunārs Babris, deputy chair of the Gulbene municipal council, said it could maintain the functioning of a large building, including lighting and the operation of various institutions. The municipality also plans to run the generator regularly so that it remains operational and staff learn how to use it.

Valmiera Municipality said its critical infrastructure was equipped with backup power. It allocates funds for new generators in its budget every year and said municipal institutions could serve as support points if a storm similar to the one seen elsewhere were to occur.