The creation of the Unified Power System of Russia: the inception

This article looks into the emergence of the Unified Power System of the Soviet Union (now UPS of Russia) based on the review of the construction and operation of the Belyi Ugol’ hydroelectric plant (1903) and the Pyatigorsk thermoelectric Plant (1913). The circumstances that preordained the birth of experience of parallel operation of two generating plants within the framework of the Unified Power System, and the contribution of the foremost Russian power engineers H.O. Graftio, R.E. Klasson, and M.A. Shatelen are analysed. It is proposed to commemorate the first experience of parallel operation of two power plants within the framework of a unified power network by setting a memorial plaque bearing the text prepared by the author.