Targeted measures ensure reliable power supply for spring farming in Xuchang, C China's Henan

"Please keep this protective cover on the switch—safety always comes first. If you have any power-related needs, just give us a call." On March 17, in the high-standard farmland of Shangguancao Village, Shixiang Town, Changge City, Xuchang, Chen Fei and Chang Hongyu—grid area managers from Shixiang Power Supply Station of Xuchang Power Supply Company—helped local farmer Zhu Weimin fasten the switch cover back on as he was irrigating his fields, reminding him of the safety precaution.

As the spring farming and irrigation season is now in full swing, Xuchang Power Supply Company has been implementing a range of measures to ensure a reliable electricity supply for agricultural operations. The company strictly enforces its grid area manager service mechanism and has been carrying out systematic door-to-door visits. Posters displaying each manager's service area, mobile number, and photo have been put up to ensure that every farmer can easily contact their designated manager.

At the same time, the company has stepped up inspections and maintenance of dedicated agricultural transformers and power lines. Comprehensive checks are being conducted on both high- and low-voltage lines within each power supply station's jurisdiction. Third-level residual current circuit breakers (RCCBs) installed at agricultural well pumps are being thoroughly inspected, with test trips carried out on those left idle for extended periods to verify proper function. Any defects identified are addressed according to schedule, ensuring timely service that keeps pace with the farming calendar. Any potential hazards discovered are rectified without delay.

To help farmers access reliable electricity quickly and efficiently during the spring farming season, Xuchang Power Supply Company has made use of the "village-grid co-construction" platform, partnering with village committees to establish a direct channel for field-level power needs. Dedicated power liaisons are stationed in villages to collect service requests, ensuring that power support responds promptly to field requirements. A "green channel" for spring farming has been opened, simplifying application procedures and offering convenient services such as QR code processing, facial recognition, and single-document applications.

Business hall hours have been extended as needed to give priority to farming-related power needs. When farmers apply for temporary agricultural power connections, the company provides one-stop services for both power access and repair requests by prioritizing these applications and simplifying procedures. In addition, the company monitors electricity usage daily across irrigation areas, dynamically adjusting grid operations as needed. Using a combination of on-the-ground patrols and drone inspections, the company intensifies equipment checks to ensure a safe and reliable power supply for spring irrigation, providing strong support for the upcoming summer grain harvest.

(By Jiao Yongsheng)