(adds comment from the Latvian TSO)

RIGA, Feb 6 (LETA) - As the Baltic states prepare to disconnect from the Russia-controlled power grid and synchronize with the European energy network this weekend, several Latvian cities are planning to turn off traffic lights ahead of the event for safety reasons.

The civil defense committee in Rezekne has decided to turn off traffic lights in the city from 8 p.m. Friday, February 7, to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 8, to prevent any technological risks to the city's traffic light system. The local government has called on traffic participants to follow traffic signs and be particularly careful on the road.

The Daugavpils municipal utilities authority also informs that all traffic lights in the city will be switched off at 10 p.m. Friday, February 7, and there may be disruptions in the city lighting system. The authority urges pedestrians and motorists to be careful at street intersections and in less illuminated areas of the city.

Daugavpils Udens water utility informs that the company has prepared backup power generators to ensure water supply and sanitation services, in particular for critical infrastructure. Drinking water barrels have also been prepared and will be filled with drinking water when needed and installed in areas where centralized water supply is disrupted.

Daugavpils Siltumtikli heating utility and Daugavpils Satiksme municipal transport company have also taken measures to prepare for the power grid's synchronization with Europe.

The local government of Jelgava has worked out an action plan to ensure an uninterrupted delivery of services in case of power disruption during the synchronization process. If necessary, the municipal police and national guardsmen will be ready to regulate traffic at the busiest street intersections in the city.

The municipal housing manager Jelgavas Nekustama Ipasuma Parvalde has placed notices outside apartment buildings urging people not to use lifts over the weekend.

Rolands Irklis, CEO of Augstsprieguma Tikls (AST) power transmission system operator (TSO), told LETA that power cuts are not expected during the synchronization and there is sufficient reserve capacity to ensure operations. Separate incidents, if they occur, will also not create an emergency situation for infrastructure.

Irklis informed that during the weekend, both the Baltic TSOs and emergency services will be working in a reinforced mode, so security will be even higher than on a daily basis. At the same time, Irklis noted that people should be aware that power disruptions can occur on any day of the year due to technological failures, weather conditions or other external influences.

Therefore, it is necessary to take care of sensitive equipment at all times. The upcoming weekend is an opportunity for municipalities to test their preparedness for different scenarios that will strengthen their resilience, such as future storms, which are expected to become more frequent due to climate change, Irklis said.

"However, we urge people not to engage in activities that cause unnecessary inconveniences and affect people's daily routine," said Irklis.

As reported, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, risks to the Baltic energy system have also increased. To address them, the Baltic energy system will be disconnected from the Russian combined energy system, the so-called BRELL ring, and connected to the European system almost a year earlier than originally planned, on February 7-9 this year.

As the Climate and Energy Ministry said previously, February is the best month for switching from BRELL to the European energy network, as energy production in the region is higher during that month. The likelihood of especially adverse weather conditions is also lower in February.