As day temperatures rise, it brings with it the possibility of thunderstorms which were harsh to the city last summer and exposed the lack of preparedness. This year, the GHMC and the power authorities say they are prepared well ahead of time.
The month of May in 2016 received copious amounts of rainfall in short bursts, accompanied by strong winds which blackened out several parts of the city and left roads inaccessible due to fallen trees. Rains in summer are due to an influx of moisture from the Bay of Bengal when an upper-air stream facilitates formation of high-rise clouds. Heavy rainfall on multiple days was a first for the city last year.
“We have learnt from last year’s experience and respond faster but cannot prevent such vagaries of nature. This time, we have procured required material ready to address blackouts,” said J. Srinivas Reddy, Director Operations, TSSPDCL.
Mr. Reddy said spare electrical poles, wires and manpower in teams has been readied to quickly restore power supply after rainfall. He also said tree-cutting exercise has been taken up to minimise power loss.
Beefing up the distribution network with 900 distribution transformers to meet additional power demands in summer, will also come in handy after such incidents, he said. This summer, Hyderabad’s consumption is expected to touch 60 million units, significantly higher than last year.
The GHMC too says it has learnt lessons from last year. Chief Engineer Suresh Kumar informed that additional tree-cutters, transport vehicles, pumps and manpower is on standby throughout the day for any contingency.
“In May last year, we had under 10 teams to respond to the situation. Efforts are under way to increase that number,” he said.
