Moscow, 13 April 2005. Within the framework of activities of the Flood Control Commission of OAO "HydroWGC" held a conference call in the offices of RAO "UES of Russia" to discuss the issues of reliable and accident-free operation of hydropower plants during the flood period.

The conference call participants heard a report on the hydrological situation in the basins of rivers and HPP reservoirs of RAO "UES of Russia", and the inflow forecast. HPP managers reported on the work to prepare the power plants for the spring flood. According to the reports, all hydropower plants of RAO "UES of Russia" have created regional flood control commissions, developed measures to ensure reliable and safe operation of the energy facilities. Also, continuous interaction has been established with subdivisions of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Emergencies of Russia designed to achieve that goal.

As part of the preparations for the spring flood, RAO UES enterprises are finishing equipment repairs so as to ensure maximum loading of the hydropower plants.

The conference call participants noted the flood preparedness of the hydropower plants in the south of Russia and the Volga-Kama series of HPPs and the successful flood control efforts at the HPPs in Siberia and the Far East.

According to RosGidroMet, Russia's hydrometeorological agency, the flood is expected to start in mid-April in the European part of Russia, and in May and July in Siberia and the Far East.