Since Dec 15, 2023, there has been a sharp drop in temperature in Guangdong, Yunnan, Guizhou provinces, and Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. Due to the persistent cold and snowy weather, as of 5 pm on Dec 18, a total of 448 transmission lines within the power supply area of China Southern Power Grid (CSG) were affected by ice, mostly in Bijie and Liupanshui in Guizhou province, Zhaotong in Yunnan province, and Guilin in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. CSG has made every effort to carry out prevention and response work for low temperature, rain, snow, and ice, closely tracking weather changes. With online monitoring, manual ice observation, and direct current (DC) de-icing methods, people have been mobilized to carry out emergency ice prevention and disposal work for a total of 2,264 times, effectively ensuring a safe and reliable power supply in Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Hainan (five provincial-level regions in southern China).

In response to the development of a new cold air mass, CSG initiated a level IV emergency response for low temperature, rain, snow, and ice at 4 pm on Dec 18. This response includes further strengthening emergency duty and equipment maintenance, carrying out orderly de-icing work, and making preparations for various emergencies.

With CSG's self-developed online ice monitoring system, real-time information on ice coverage, ambient temperature, and the humidity of its transmission lines and towers located thousands of miles away can be clearly observed by a click of a mouse.

Ice monitoring technology was first applied in 2009, and since then, efforts have been made to establish standardized technical specifications and data models. In 2016, a unified monitoring deployment was initiated. After years of exploration and improvement, CSG has developed a mature ice coverage perception system. This system primarily relies on online monitoring, supplemented by manual ice observation to provide precise information for effective anti-icing measures.

In recent years, CSG has developed ice observation devices, de-icing equipment, and emergency equipment. Additionally, we have established ice prevention test scenarios and carried out reinforcement and transformation on weak sections of transmission and distribution lines. As a result, a three-dimensional emergency ice prevention management system that is visible, removable, and resistant has been formed. CSG has made remarkable breakthroughs in the independent development of de-icing equipment and technology. These innovations have been widely used during recent cold snaps, proving to be a powerful solution for breaking the ice.

From Dec 15 to 19, CSG implemented de-icing measures on 27 transmission lines in Guilin, Guangxi province, Bijie, Guizhou province, and Zhaotong, Yunnan province, among other areas. This prompt action resolved safety hazards and risks caused by increased ice coverage on the lines.