Power-cuts in the city are a common phenomenon. One need not be surprised if the quality of supply too dips in the coming days, as all transformers and electrical sub-stations are either overloaded or working at almost twice their installed capacity.
A survey by the Assistant Engineers of the Southern Power Distribution Company Limited in Krishna district has revealed that Vijayawada city alone needs 200 transformers to take the existing load and provide for a little expansion. The Discom is planning another 20 sub-stations within the city in five years so that the load is properly distributed.
“The number of air-conditioners installed in domestic and commercial locations has increased phenomenally, sending the SPDCL plans into a state of disarray. During summer months, Vijayawada used 3 MU for A/Cs alone, a record quantum,” Chief Engineer K. Rajabapaiah told The Hindu .
To overcome the crisis of shutting down power in several areas during peak use hours, sub-stations were being installed at several places, land being scouted and, at some places, indoor sub-stations would be installed if 500 yards of land was available or a big building was provided, he observed. The SPDCL engineers had made a study in Kolkata regarding indoor sub-stations.
Plea to UDA
Meanwhile, the SPDCL has asked the VGTM-UDA to part with some land available with it so that many sub-stations could be constructed. It has also been asked not to give clearance for layouts if they do not provide space for sub-station. The APIIC has also been asked to make it an integral part of the project so that 32KV and 132KV sub-stations could be installed.
Doubling the capacity of transformers and sub-stations is also being studied at Gunadala, Rajiv Gandhi Park, Nunna, and Kondapalli to take the load from hundreds of malls and large hospitals coming up in the city. At Bhavanipuram pumping station, the APGenco has 1.1 acres of land, which the SPDCL has asked for setting up a 220 KVA sub-station.
The other place is Jakkampudi, where the VMC and the VUDA have 5 acres land suitable for 220KV/32KV and 11KV sub-stations at one place.
132KV sub-stations are planned at Yenamalakuduru and Machilipatnam Port. The 132 KV sub-station at Autonagar will be commissioned by October-end. A 400-metre cable needs to be laid, for which tendering process has been completed.
