AI to Prevent Heating Network Failures in Russian Cities
Smart sensors will monitor boiler systems in real time, warning operators about potential malfunctions before they cause outages.
In 2026, the Russian city of Sovetsky, located in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area, will begin testing an AI-powered system designed to prevent accidents in urban heating networks. The pilot project, developed by MTS, was announced by regional governor Ruslan Kukharuk following a meeting with Sergey Semkin, vice president of AFK Sistema, and representatives of the corporation’s subsidiaries.
The new system uses “smart” sensors to continuously track boiler performance and automatically flag anomalies that could indicate a risk of failure. If the pilot proves successful, the technology will be scaled across the entire region.
Governor Kukharuk added that MTS also plans to test an environmental monitoring system next year in Yugra. The network will measure air quality in real time, allowing authorities to respond quickly to pollution spikes.
Learning from Success
Similar AI-driven monitoring systems are already being tested in cities across the Moscow region. There, sensors installed in boiler houses transmit hourly data on water temperature and pressure to a centralized control center. Dispatchers receive instant smartphone alerts if the system detects deviations from normal parameters.
According to Sergey Biryulya, head of IoT products for housing and energy at MTS, the technology will reduce the cost of on-site inspections, cut the number of resident complaints, and speed up response times to potential incidents. Ultimately, the AI network aims to prevent emergency repairs and heating shutdowns, ensuring more stable service for city residents during the long Russian winter.
