Impact on society and employees

Our activities and ensuring the continuity of electricity supply determine the wellbeing of Poles.

It is PSE’s particular concern to ensure the security of employees and contractors’ personnel providing services to our company. To make this possible, we incessantly take care of the development and security of our technical infrastructure.

We are a modern organisation fostering an innovative working environment. We care about the development of internal competences of our employees. We want to constantly strengthen the unique knowledge base in the organisation and the expertise of the PSE staff responsible for maintaining a secure and stable power system.

Impact on society and employees

Development of regions and local communities

Investment in the development of regions

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Public purpose infrastructure investments, including the construction of electrical substations and EHV lines significantly improve living standards throughout the region.

Network investment preparation stages

What do we need?

Preparation of an investment plan based on power requirements and connection applications.
Technical parameters

Definition of the technical parameters of expected outcomes and the area covered.
Preparation of preliminary variants

Preparation of preliminary variants of project implementation. Consultations with commune authorities.
Consultation and information process

Meetings for residents of communes and villages, collecting opinions of local communities.
Optimum route selection

Making adjustments and selecting the optimum route having regard to social, environmental, technical and economic considerations.
Detailed planning

Adoption of a detailed route plan and implementation variant.
Environmental report

Submission of the environmental impact report and obtaining the decision on environmental conditions.
Obtaining the right to use land

Negotiations with property owners in order to acquire land for substations or transmission easement for a line.
Incorporation in commune planning

Incorporation in local planning, unless already made, or obtaining a decision on the location of a public utility project.
Building permit

Obtaining the building permit

By securing stable electricity supply in a given area, PSE helps to perform a number of functions which are important from the point of view of regions and local communities.

Benefits of infrastructure investment:

ensuring energy security and energy supply to the region by increasing the availability of electricity,
reducing the risk of failure by replacing end-of-life installations with modern facilities,
increasing the investment attractiveness of the region by providing enterprises with appropriate conditions for the placement and development of business, generating new jobs and tax revenue for commune budgets,
reducing electric energy losses and consequently also its costs by increasing the voltage of transmission networks and using high-quality materials for their construction,
significant budgetary revenue from taxes paid to communes – each year, a commune receives property tax revenue of 2 percent of the value of the investment implemented in its territory,
growth of local business – employing local companies as subcontractors,
stimulating the modernisation and development of the local infrastructure of electricity distributors,
increasing connection capabilities for local energy generation sources, in particular for RES,
creating conditions for a further dynamic development of electromobility.

Cooperation with local governments

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As a responsible investor and good neighbour, we attach special importance to establishing and developing relations with local authorities. In the course of project implementation, we involve representatives of voivodeship, poviat and commune authorities in the decision-making process, including the preparation of investment projects.

In coordination with the local and regional administration, we provide comprehensive and reliable information on investment projects, while presenting the benefits they offer to the commune concerned.

Activities pursued by PSE aimed at building awareness of the significance of investment:

drafting route proposals in coordination with local authorities at the feasibility study preparation stage,
direct discussions with municipality mayors and commune heads on the target investment design,
presentations during commune council sessions devoted to investments issues,
open information and consultation meetings for local communities, held to hear opinions and suggestions on the optimum route of a new line in a given area,
engaging mayors, commune heads and councillors, as well as representatives of those units, in communication activities at later stages of the project (e.g. through educational programmes, participation in meetings, conferences, consultations with residents, etc.),
arranging study visits by specialists from an accredited laboratory performing EMF impact measurements in the neighbourhood of the existing power infrastructure,
arranging site visits to demonstrate the immediate environment of a project after its completion,
cooperating with local media journalists to keep them informed about the progress of projects,
ongoing contact with project stakeholders via a helpline and information points to guarantee two-way communication between the investor and residents.
distribution of information materials assisting discussions with residents (information folders, Q&A documents, information/educational videos).

Educational and information activities pursued by PSE to support building the awareness of investment significance:

organising local and regional conferences on investment projects,, with a special focus on aspects sensitive for communes,
organising meetings with experts in the field of power engineering, impact on the health and life of people and animals, physicians, growers, etc., depending on demand and significance of the issue concerned in the particular area,
winning support for investment projects from local media, associations and residents through meetings and by involving them in the communication process,
creating special information points providing all necessary information on projects,
conducting a local information and educational programme in the commune, tailored to communication needs and responding to queries and doubts raised in the commune concerned,
supporting local social activities and initiatives undertaken by local or regional authorities.

Tab. 1. Meetings with authorities and institutions related to project implementation

In-house indicator GRI 103-3

Number of meetings with authorities and institutions related to project implementation in 2016-2019
Site locations	2019		2018		2017		2016
Site locations	Number of meetings	Number of investment projects	Number of meetings	Number of investment projects	Number of meetings	Number of investment projects	Number of meetings	Number of investment projects
Bydgoszcz	40	17	202	15	208	15	171	13
Katowice	84	21	112	30	91	30	125	17
Poznań	138	21	67	24	163	13	148	35
Warsaw and Radom	484	53	307	33	240	53	82	19
Total	746	112	688	102	702	111	526	84

2,662

meetings and events for projects implemented in 2016-2019, includin 746 meetings in 2019

Implementing electricity projects, we have a common goal

Przykładowy proces informacyjno-konsultacyjny

Information and consultation activities carried out in the process are aimed to arrive at a consensus about the final line route.

Having this in mind, PSE mainly takes into account:

environmental, planning, engineering and economic requirements,
the interest of residents and property owners.

Broad social consultations with commune authorities, residents and social organisations are of key significance to the determination of an optimal line route. The consultations should allow all stakeholders to be provided with full information on the planned investment and develop a common position.

Completed actions with the participation of local communities:

Meetings with commune councils aimed to present basic information on a project, in particular on its significance for the region and the national economy, technological and legal conditions, time schedule, line impact and the public consultation model, as well as to gather opinions on the proposed line route across the commune. PSE representatives agree with commune administrators on the continuation of the information and consultation process within the districts concerned.
Open information and consultation meetings with residents, during which PSE representatives answer all questions from residents concerning the line, and analyse suggestions concerning the modification of the line route or location of power line pylons on specific properties. All meetings are open to the public. The timing of the meetings is agreed with individual village heads who indicate locations convenient for residents. No later than 7 days before each meeting, village heads receive information posters about the meeting. Property owners take the opportunity to ask individual questions concerning their properties, which often alleviates many concerns. On this basis, representatives of our organisation collect comments and requests of members of the public relating to the proposed route option. Suggestions are submitted by individual plot owners concerning minor route adjustments – tower locations. Each request is considered individually and, wherever technically possible, it is approved.
Direct individual discussions with all owners along the route provide a basis for presentation of project assumptions and final agreement of the work execution method in the case of specific properties.

Throughout the investment process, information material is prepared and made available, such as:

project leaflets (available e.g. in all commune offices and at information meetings),
a folder on the operational security of power lines,
maps dedicated to individual communes (available at meetings and from commune offices in the form of folder inserts),
a dedicated project website,
a helpline operating 5 days a week and managed by specialists with comprehensive knowledge of projects.

Information on information and consultation meetings is distributed through:

project website,
commune websites (depending on the commune’s practice),
information posters (on village notice boards, at commune offices),
information points,
commune heads, councillors and village heads,
commune SMS-based messaging systems (if any).

Media activities – a project spokesman is always appointed for the purposes of media relations. The spokesman is responsible for providing information and addressing media questions. The individual steps and stages of the project implementation process are communicated through media publications in both the traditional and electronic form so as to deliver the message to the widest audience possible.

Kluczowe inwestycje – dobre praktyki

Construction of the Ostrołęka-Stanisławów 400 kV line

Construction of the Ostrołęka-Stanisławów 400 kV power line is an investment of key significance for the Polish Power System. The length of the route is estimated at approx. 100 km. Currently, the Warsaw agglomeration and Ostrołęka are lined by a 220 kV line built in the early 1970s. Having regard to the growing demand for energy and planned changes in the generation profile it is no longer sufficient. In addition, due to its age, it is also more susceptible to failures and extreme weather conditions. The new 400 kV line can increase the quantity of electricity transmitted while reducing losses and environmental impact.

Meetings with authorities and commune councils

The information and consultation process addressed to residents and local government authorities of the communes situated along the route of considered line options started in mid-2019. As part of those activities, dozens of meetings were held which provided an opportunity to learn the contractor’s proposals concerning various line route options. The first meetings were addressed to local government authorities, commune heads and mayors as hosts of the areas concerned. Representatives of the investor and the contractor visited 16 communes. The discussions with local governments focused on subjects such as the project objective, the proposed site location options, environmental impact, technical, and benefits. Working contacts (personal, by telephone or mail) are continued throughout the project implementation period (depending on needs).
Open meetings with residents

35 meetings were held with residents as part of the communication activities. In several cases, additional meetings had to be held with residents of the same commune.
Study visits – EMF measurement

In response to residents’ needs, two study visits were arranged in the course of the consultation process for the residents of Jadów and Strachówka communes, where electromagnetic field (EMF) impact measurements were made under an operating 400 kV line.
Study visits – KDM

Another type of study visit was a visit by the Commune Head and councillors of Zabrodzie commune to the headquarters of the National Power Dispatch Centre (KDM), the place from which Poland’s power system is managed. It was an opportunity to present the need to expand and upgrade the transmission network country-wide and the contribution of the expansion to the national development opportunities.
Media activities

Information on the project appeared in the following media: Fakty WWL biweekly, Goniec Tłuszczański weekly, Kurier W weekly, and Życie Powiatu na Mazowszu periodical. A number of articles on the course of consultations and the need to expand the EHV network were published e.g. by the Tuba Wyszkowa website and in the weeklies Nowy Wyszkowiak and Tygodnik Ostrołęcki.
Geosurvey

In connection with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related inability to conduct open meetings with residents while the epidemic threat persists, our company had implemented a new tool for communication with residents – the geosurvey. Thanks to this application, available on the project website at https://liniaostrolekastanislawow.pl/geoankieta/, residents were able to get acquainted with the proposed line route options, measure the distance from the line to a particular point, indicate which solution they prefer, as well as make their own comments or corrections. The website also provides a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers, materials on project implementation rules, legal and environmental impact aspects.

Construction of the Mikułowa-Świebodzice 400 kV line

The construction of the Mikułowa- Świebodzice 400 kV power line is necessary to ensure sufficient, stable electricity supply to all customers in Lower Silesia. The new facility will replace a 220 kV line operating for more than 50 years. The route with an estimated length of approx. 107 km will cross a dozen or so communes.
The information and consultation process addressed to residents and local government authorities of the communes situated along the route of considered line options started in December 2017. It is also when the first meeting was held at Dolnośląskie Voivodship Authority. From January 2018, meetings were arranged with commune authorities (commune heads, mayors, and commune councils) during which the investor’s representatives provided information on the information and consultation process and agreed details of information actions concerning the project with the authorities. As part of those activities, meetings were held which provided an opportunity to learn proposals concerning various line route options. Another step of the communication process was to obtain opinions from forest district authorities and relevant information on the presented line option, as well as the proposed construction method affecting the final course of the project (6 meetings).
Representatives of the investor visited 17 communes. The discussions with local governments focused on subjects such as the project objective, the proposed site location options, environmental impact, technical, and benefits of the project. Working contacts (personal, by telephone or mail) are continued throughout the project implementation period, depending on needs.

Meetings with authorities and commune councils

The first stage of the consultation process was a series of working consultations with commune authorities – 17 meetings held to consult the power line route held in January-December 2018. In the course of the meetings, thew line route was analysed and route adjustments were collected, reported by the commune planning body. The second stage of the consultation process was the presentation of the line route and project assumptions at commune council sessions. The meetings (16 events) were held in January-April 2019. Presentations of project assumptions at commune council meetings took place in a calm and constructive atmosphere. The rules of PSE’s CSR programme Empower Your Environment were also discussed at the meetings. Councillors mainly asked questions about the issue of transmission easement and future use of property after the power line is constructed.
One of the outcomes of line route presentation during the commune council session was a proposal for adjustment in the village of Kłaczyna, in the Dobromierz village. It was taken into account and consulted with the local community, who approved of the proposed change.
Consultation and information meetings with residents of villages situated along the line route

The next stage of the process was the organisation of 20 information and consultation meetings with property owners and commune residents along the lone route, held in October and November 2019. The meetings were preceded by an information process on the planned time schedule (posters in village notice boards, information on the project website, and on commune websites). Property owners were invited by registered mail to attend the meeting.
During the meetings, a detailed line route was presented as well as information on the investment project. Issues were also discussed related to the establishment of transmission easement.
In March 2020, the investor circulated letters to communes informing them about the completion of the information and consultation process, together with the line route map. The public consultations with property owners translated into almost 40 adjustments of the line route in response to proposals and expectations of the social partners regarding the design of the project.
Media activities

Information on the project appeared in the following media: Telewizja Echo24, TVP3 Wrocław, Radio Wrocław, Biznes Alert, cire.pl and on the websites: Dolnośląski Voivodship Authority, swidnica24.pl, www.eluban.pl i www.e-legnickie.pl.

Harmony Link – Poland-Lithuania submarine cable interconnection

The Poland-Lithuania submarine interconnection Harmony Link is a part of the EU strategic project for the synchronisation of the Baltic States’ systems with the power network of Western Europe. The project is implemented jointly by PSE and LITGRID – transmission system operators of Poland and Lithuania. The interconnection will require the laying of two High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cables on the seabed in offshore area and underground over a short distance onshore. The point of connection to the national power system in Poland will be the Żarnowiec electrical substation (Żarnowiec ES) and in Lithuania – the Darbenai substation. The cable interconnection buried in the seabed will allow the investment impact on areas of high natural value in north-eastern Poland to be reduced.

Meetings with authorities, commune councils and institutions

The process of consultation with local authorities concerning, among other things, the location of the onshore part of the cable started in May 2019. In the period between May 2019 and June 2020, eight meetings were held. In addition, 4 meetings took place with the Pomeranian heritage conservation officer (in July 2019, December 2019 and January 2020), a meeting with the dean of the Faculty of Biology of the University of Gdańsk and OTOP (Polish Bird Protection Society) wildlife refuge guardian in June 2019, as well as a meeting with the Wejcherowo Forest District Authority in June 2020.
The meetings with the Pomeranian heritage conservation officer were held to determine conditions for running the cable line route across areas under conservation protection – Karwia’s Mire. It is a listed heritage area owing to a unique rural system – drainage ditches constructed by Dutch settlers in the 17th century.
Other meetings with institutions were aimed to present the investment project and overview the environmental requirements related to the running of the cable line across forest areas and the Baltic nearshore waters.

Construction of the Piła Krzewina-Żydowo Kierzkowo-Dunowo 400 kV line

The construction of the Dunowo -Żydowo Kierzkowo-Piła Krzewina 400 kV power line is of major significance for increasing the transmission capacity of the Polish Power System in the norther part of the country. This will contribute to the improvement of power supply to Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie voivodeships and to the Piła and Koszalin agglomerations. It is an important element of the Transmission Network Development Plan to 2025. The power line with an estimated length of approx. 120 km will cross 12 communes of Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie voivodeships.

Meetings with authorities and commune councils

“Construction of the Piła Krzewina-Żydowo Kierzkowo-Dunowo 400 kV line”. The activities undertaken were addressed to the authorities of each commune situated on the planned line route. They resulted in obtaining opinions from the authorities of each commune on the preliminary line route concept, which allowed adjustments to be made to the project taking into account the identified expectations of local governments. The meetings were held on 23-24 May and 27-28 May 2019 (12 meetings). They involved 12 communes: Polanów, Bobolice, Biały Bór, Złotów, Tarnówka, Okonek, Kaczory, Krajenka, Wysoka, Szczecinek, Świeszyno, Tychowo.
The meetings provided an opportunity to present the objective and scope of the planned investment project. Preliminary opinions were obtained from the commune authorities concerning the route design, taking into account local government investment and development plans previously not provided for in official planning documentation. Most of the communes visited provided their suggestions also in writing. The proposals for minor adjustments to the line route, collected in the course of the meetings, were taken into account by designers.
During meetings at administrative units of the Lasy Państwowe National Forest Holding, preliminary project assumptions concerning sections planned in areas managed by LP were discussed, as well as line construction methods possible to apply. The experience of the meetings and opinions gathered confirmed that the preliminary line concept is an optimal solution for local government authorities and for the forest resource manager.

The Offshore Wind Farm Project

PSE has been preparing for the implementation of projects for the evacuation of power from Offshore Wind Farms planned in the Baltic. Their expected capacity, defined in the draft Energy Policy of Poland to 2040, is approx. 8 GW, which represents a significant percentage of the total installed capacity in the country. Thus, Offshore Wind Farms will be the main element of Poland’s energy transition. Therefore, they will be of high significance for the Polish Power System. No, however, they require a significant reinforcement of the transmission network in Pomerania. For this reason, PSE has been preparing feasibility studies for a number of projects which will allow for the secure and effective evacuation of power from wind turbines to every part of Poland. The projects will also improve in an unprecedented way the energy security of Pomorskie voivodeship and make it the largest supplier of renewable energy in the country.

Meetings with authorities and commune councils

January 2020 saw the beginning of the preliminary information and consultation process for projects related to the evacuation of power from Offshore Wind Farms. Of several dozen meetings prepared, only some were held live. The restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the implementation of all plans in the previous form of direct presentations.
Therefore, the decision was taken to arrange some of the meetings via teleconference. Owing to this, more than 50 conversations with stakeholders could be held by June 2020, half of which involved the use of teleconferencing software. The initial concerns regarding transfer limitations, difficulties in arranging calls with such a large number of participants and the need to use dedicated software for the presentation and overview of maps proved to be challenges that could be managed. The material collected during the meetings allowed work to be continued on necessary full-scale feasibility studies.

Educational activities

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Examples of educational actions promoting energy security knowledge

A Friendly Network for the construction of the Chełm-Lublin Systemowa 400 kV line
In Q2 and Q4 2019, schools in areas situated on the route of the Chełm-Lublin Systemowa 400 kV line project held information and educational activities for primary school pupils titled Friendly Network. The objective of the programme was to raise the awareness level with regard to the special role and significance of PSE in the power system and to emphasise the importance of transmission network development.

Key issues were presented in each school, related to:

The safe use of electric appliances, an in particular the rules for staying in the immediate vicinity of electric power facilities (transformer substations, towers, conductors) and the rules of conduct in case of failure;
How electricity is generated and the purpose of transmission network facilities;
How the transmission system operates;
The objectives and ways of saving electricity.

Apart from educational activities, a small gift was presented to every pupil who prepared an art project on the safe use of power facilities and structures.
In Q2 2019, activities were conducted in the following communes: Spiczyn, Wólka, Wierzbica, Chełm. In Q4 2019, meetings were held in another four communes: Niemce, Łęczna, Siedliszcze, Puchaczów.

A Friendly Network for the construction of the Baczyna-Plewiska 400 kV line
For the Baczyna-Plewiska 400 kV line, the Friendly Network educational action was dedicated to Primary School Grade 1-3 pupils selected in coordination with commune administrators. The activities allowed the educational objectives defined in the core curriculum to be achieved. The action ended with an art competition. The winners received symbolic gifts.

Odyssey of the Mind
In 2019, activities and workshops were held in collaboration with the Odyssey of the Mind Foundation in communes situated on the route of the project titled Construction of the 400 kV Chełm-Lublin Systemowa Line and Expansion of the 400/110kV Chełm Substation.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational programme addressed to young people at different education levels, reaching several thousand schools in more than 20 countries. The programme was established in the USA in 1978 in partnership with NASA, in order to complement school education with skills related to innovative thinking, non-standard approach to problem solving, group work and improvisation.
The participants of the programme operate in groups of 5 or 7 people representing each school. Under the guidance of teachers or educators (trainers), they solve problems that require unconventional thinking and creativity. The problems combine technical, artistic and human elements and are assigned to permanent, long-term categories such as vehicle mechanics, device engineering, reinterpretation of classical works and cultural content, technical constructions, art works and artistic performances (mainly theatrical). Spontaneous problems, the assumptions of which are presented to students on actual competition days, are an additional category.
The Polish edition of the programme was addressed in the first place to primary schools (age groups: up to Grade 5 and Grades 6-8). Other participants are secondary school and university students.
PSE managed to deliver the programme to schools in more than 40 communes in the investment areas, of which 9 are locations associated with the Chełm-Lublin Systemowa 400 kV line construction project. Owing to PSE’s involvement, the schools and their teams were able to benefit from free-of-charge registration for the competition and participation in regional tournaments (Q1 2020). Depending on the reception of the competition in the regions, PSE is also considering the expansion of the programme to enable teams to compete in national tournaments.

Impact on local communities

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Standards and regulations relating to network assets

The impact of our company's operations on the social and natural environment is of particular significance in the case of new-build overhead line projects. The projects are implemented under the latest European standards PN-EN 50341 on designing overhead power lines. We respect all legal acts applicable in Poland in the fields of environmental protection, spatial planning and management, property management, construction law, etc.

European standards

The standards applied in designing and building new lines ensure a high level of operational reliability of lines, a high level of public security, and minimise line impact on the environment. In forest areas, we follow the practice of running line wires over the forest, owing to which tree clearance can be limited to small areas – exclusively to accommodate pylon sites.

For the construction of any line, it is necessary to obtain a decision on environmental conditions, according to which wires or pylons are marked with features visible to birds (representations of predatory birds on lighting arresters or diverter spirals suspended from wires). In compliance with the applicable law, lines are also marked as aviation obstructions.
Devices, instruments and systems installed at substations also meet the requirements of the European standards, which ensures a high level of their operational reliability. Solutions are also used which reduce the environmental impact of an electrical substation, including the natural environment. Each network transformer installed is equipped with an oil tray protecting the environment from oil spillage in the event of failure.

Establishment of rights to real property

In order to regulate legal relations concerning transmission facilities between transmission undertakings and property owners on whose land such facilities are situated, the term "transmission rights of way" was introduced in the Civil Code in 2008. The right of transmission easement defines the extent to which a transmission undertaking can use third-party property on which their transmission equipment is or will be situated, i.e. any structures and facilities forming power lines. The provisions adopted provide the investor with access to facilities, i.e. pylons, wires and substation elements situated on the property in cases of failure, repair and maintenance.

Transmission easement is a limited property right established on a real property in the form of notarial deed. Its scope is recorded in the land and mortgage register of the encumbered property.

According to the applicable law, remuneration and compensation for property value diminution resulting from the establishment of transmission rights of way is paid to each property owner.

Prior to the commencement of work, we have property appraisal reports prepared for property to be developed. The reports provide a basis for the determination of the amount of remuneration and compensation for the plot owner. The payment amount is influenced by factors such as the existing value and use of the property and damage to agricultural land, sown or gathered crops, caused by a part of property being occupied by transmission facilities. Additional compensation is payable for pylon placement. Owners usually receive the first compensation instalment after the civil-law agreement is accepted and concluded. The second instalment is paid after the signing of the notarial deed that provides the investor with access to the land and line. Compensations are also awarded for damage and losses caused in the course of construction and erection works.

In the absence of the landowner’s consent to sign the public utility project easement agreement, following the completion of the entire negotiation process, the negotiation procedure is triggered in accordance with the requirements of Article 124 of the Property Management Act (PMA). However, the administrative procedure is the last resort in the negotiation process – before it is applied, steps are taken leading to a compromise solution.

We do not keep statistics of the number of transmission rights of way agreements concluded with property owners by contractors acting on our behalf.

This concerns thousands of plots every year. We estimate the percentage of agreements concluded at 94-98 percent, while the remaining 2 to 6 percent are administrative decisions issued under Article 124 of the Property Management Act.

Number of people physically or economically displaced and compensation for displacement

As early as the investment planning stage, we endeavour to ensure that our investment projects interfere as little as possible in human life. Wherever possible, we consider several options of project location. We also invite representatives of local communities and local governments to cooperate. We make all efforts to avoid displacement in consequence of our projects. In 2018, no case of displacement occurred.

GRI EU22

Number of persons physically or economically displaced and compensations

Number of persons physically or economically displaced and compensations, by project type

2019

2018

2017

2016

0

2 *

0

* In connection with the expansion of the 400/220/110kV Grudziądz Węgrowo substation, two persons were displaced in 2017: father and daughter, who were co-owners of two plots of land necessary for the expansion of the substation. The purchase was finalised in Q1 2017.

Line impact

All electrical equipment generates an electromagnetic field around it, which is results from the presence of voltage and current flow. Extra-high voltage lines belong to this group of equipment. Low-frequency (50 Hz) electromagnetic field is created around the line, of the same type as that generated by a vacuum cleaner or washing machine – electrical appliances used in every home. The impact of electromagnetic fields is a common subject of discussions on the potential impact on human health.

The results of surveys carried out so far around the world do not confirm concerns about the negative impact of low-frequency electromagnetic fields on human health and other living organisms, nor do they rule out such impact. It is exactly for this reason that Poland and the whole of the European Union have adopted relevant laws and regulations specifying, with a large safety margin, the acceptable values of impact of power facilities. Our company strictly observes the law. Prior to putting a facility into service, electromagnetic field measurements are performed, which are then subjected to verification by environmental protection bodies, which eliminates the risk of non-compliance.

For each investment project performed, we prepare information guides addressed to local communities, which contain reliable information on the investment concerned, including its environmental impact. The impact of electromagnetic fields is always one of the elements of a programme of regional conferences organised by contractors in cooperation with us.

Noise

The emitted noise level depends on the power line design and weather conditions (it is much higher during drizzle and rain, which is beyond our control). Noise coming from newly designed lines outside the rights of way does not exceed environmental limits.

The main noise sources at our substations are transformers. We use equipment with a reduced sound power level and advanced cooling solutions. In special cases, noise screens are erected to suppress noise.

Landscape values

The problem of a power line view, even a distant one, from a window is one of the main causes of social protests. For each project, we aim to integrate the line into the landscape so as to minimise any negative aesthetic effect. By assumption, we avoid running power lines across areas of special landscape value.

Electric shock or lightning stroke

Our extra-high voltage lines are fitted with ground wires. This means that the risk of lightning stroke in their vicinity is reduced. However, elementary caution is always required to be maintained near a line – in particular when performing work with the use of farming equipment.

Failure removal

Owing to a lack of legal norms governing transmission rights of way for power lines built in previous years, sometimes problems arise on privately-owned land, as repair teams' access to the properties concerned is hindered or prevented. Hindering access to a site extends the time to remedy a failure or perform a repair, which causes problems, especially for the local electricity consumers.

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We analyse the impact of our investment projects on the local community (in 100 percent of cases)

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Minimising the negative social impact of projects being implemented

The Feasibility Study stage is aimed to perform a detailed, in-depth analysis of the implementation feasibility of an investment project option based on specific studies, in particular precise maps depicting the line route (including tower spacing) or the location of electrical substations in the commune. This makes it possible to analyse local conditions and identify specific needs of the party in order to minimise the adverse social impact of investment project undertaken.

In the course of the work, based on suggestions put forward by commune authorities, modifications (sub-options) of the preferred option are developed. They are subject to further consultations with local communities and, finally, assessed in the environmental procedure.

At this stage, it is important to acquire:

development plans of communes in specific districts and localities (information source: commune study, Geoportal, land use studies, local area development plans, local development strategies, local government representatives),
residents’ life plans, building permits and outline planning permissions in different districts (information source: local government representatives, opinion leaders),
potential problem situations in specific districts (information source: local government representatives),
opinion leaders in specific districts (information source: local government representatives),
number of real property owners in the area where a project is to be implemented (information source: County Administration Offices (Starostwa Powiatowe), land and building registers,
estimated value of transmission easement (source of information: dedicated websites on transactional prices in the commune).

At this stage, public consultations are carried out on the final shape of the project. During consultation meetings, residents submit their comments and suggestions on the line route, tower foundation locations on plots, locations of electrical substations and access roads to the property on which construction works will be carried out. Suggestions are collected and analysed by the investor’s representatives regarding the feasibility of implementation. The information collected provides a basis for the preparation of project options to be then subjected to assessment in the environmental procedure. At this stage, it is important to establish and maintain contact with stakeholders.

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Tab. 2. Our stakeholders and forms of their involvement

Target group	Characteristics	Communication tools and techniques*
Direct activities
Regulator	The President of ERO is responsible for regulation of the power sector and for competition promotion. We agree with the President of ERO, among other things, the Development Plan for meeting the current and future electricity demand and its updates.	Direct meetings, industry conferences, PSE Impact Report presenting in an integrated manner financial and non-financial data, website.
Contractors for investment projects	Third-party companies selected through public and non-public tendering procedures. They act for an on behalf of PSE, influence opinions of local communities and local authorities, and form the image of our company as an investor.	Direct meetings, industry conferences, internal training, efficient communication on investment tasks under Social Communication Programmes (folders, website, press briefings, conferences, films, educational programmes, etc.) defining communication good practices and guidelines, and cooperation under the principles of sustainable development.
Public administration, local authorities	Transparent and professional information and educational activities within the framework of social communication contribute to building proper relations.	Direct meetings, letters of intent, dedicated specialised conferences, general corporate, specialised and investment-related folders, an expert magazine, PSE impact report presenting in an integrated manner financial and non-financial data, website.
Public opinion, local communities	A key group from the point of view of infrastructural investments. Convincing immediate neighbours to accept an investment project and establishing the transmission easement are essential to the lead time of the project. Contact with the group makes it possible to win greater public acceptance or to work out a compromise.	Media relations, press articles, websites, Twitter, YouTube, PSE, folders, leaflets, educational programmes for inhabitants of the communes in which an investment is planned, meetings arranged by contractors and directly.
Protest committees, local leaders of protests and social actions	Local initiatives resulting from a lack of public acceptance of a solution being considered, and representing interests of the whole community or a selected group.	Official correspondence, participation in meetings and during protest actions.
Employees, management staff of PSE CG	Committed and motivated employees and management staff largely determine PSE's operating efficiency. Employees' level of being informed and their work satisfaction are of key significance to employee commitment building.	The code of ethics and value-guided conduct, intranet, PSE impact report presenting in an integrated manner financial and non-financial data, information leaflets, communication of strategic projects, questionnaire surveys, communication of changes being put into effect, direct meetings, integration meetings, corporate events, company newspaper Przesył, newsletter.
Employees of PSE CG involved in the investment process	Committed and motivated employees, management staff, and principles of business ethics largely determine the company's operating efficiency. Employees' level of being informed and their work satisfaction are of key significance to employee commitment building.	In addition to tools addressed to all employees, additional tools supporting their current work include specialist folders, dedicated training and Q&A documents.
Local and regional associations	Local and regional NGOs working towards development of a given area, e.g. commune, village or county.	Provision of comprehensive and reliable information on investments, with special focus on the planned line location and route and the opinion of representatives of local communities – direct meetings and promotional material (folders), and a website.
Environmental NGOs and associations	Local, regional and national non-governmental organisations for the protection of the natural environment or wildlife, or involved in green initiatives in particular areas.	BDirect meetings with representatives of associations, provision of information materials, with special focus on environmental issues and the investor's related activities.
Business partners	Companies cooperating with PSE at the pre-investment stage and performing services ordered by the company.	Information on security policy, ISO certificates and anti-corruption policy provided by employees at meetings with partners and peers.
Indirect activities
Media (national, regional, industry)	Provide information, form opinions on investments.	Press conferences, briefings, workshops for journalists, individual meetings (articles, interviews), Twitter, sponsored articles, trade supplements to newspapers, expert magazine, press kits, presentations, website, PSE impact report presenting in an integrated manner financial and non-financial data.
Central administration, Parliament	Ministries and central authorities, parliamentarians – especially those on parliamentary committees and teams.	Individual meetings, presentations, folders, industry and economic conferences, website, PSE impact report presenting in an integrated manner financial and non-financial data, expert magazine.
Contractors (generators, distributors, traders)	A group of entities cooperating with PSE on a permanent basis, bound by agreements.	Individual meetings, industry conferences, workshops, expert magazine, PSE impact report presenting in an integrated manner financial and non-financial data, website.

* In our activities, we attach special importance to building lasting relations and using various methods of dialogue with stakeholders.

We communicate with our partners through multiple channels. The frequency of contacts depends on PSE's needs and our stakeholders' queries.

GRI 102-43

Key figures

37

ndustry conferences, debates, seminars and congresses
with the participation of PSE's experts.
69

PSE experts involved
in conferences, debates, seminars, forums and industry congresses (increase by 21 percent YoY).
More than

8

k

publications
on various areas of PSE’s activity appeared in 2019, of which more than 99.2 percent were of a positive or neutral character.
51

reports
(including PPS operation data and BM actions) generated automatically on the PSE website in 2019.
1,684

followers of PSE’s Twitter profile.
approx.

700

k

monthly reach
(PSE posts could reach so many users).

Development of regions and local communities

Investment in the development of regions

Network investment preparation stages

What do we need?

Technical parameters

Preparation of preliminary variants

Consultation and information process

Optimum route selection

Detailed planning

Environmental report

Obtaining the right to use land

Incorporation in commune planning

Building permit