The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) has finalised the purchase orders for distribution transformers across the State. This is expected to improve the current situation of voltage fluctuations to an extent, officials claim.
For the past several months, the supply of transformers had been affected as the cash-strapped TANGEDCO had not paid the equipment suppliers.
A few days ago, the payments were made. “We have paid them the dues till April this year,” a senior TANGEDCO official said.
TANGEDCO officials said over one thousand transformers are expected to be supplied in a month’s time. “But there is a problem. Though we have paid the suppliers of the transformers, we are yet to pay the firms supplying other equipment such as the conductors. Now they are demanding money,” an official said.
However, until the transformers are installed, the city’s residents will have to bear with the voltage fluctuations problem.
“Even now, the supply to our house is messy. At times, the fans run at great speed and sometimes they are slow. After 6 p.m., it is impossible to run any electrical equipment as the supply is erratic,” G. Thiruvengadam, a resident of Avadi, said.
A similar situation is faced in Velachery, where several residents are disgruntled over the present situation. “It is high time TANGECO strengthens their distribution network by adding more transformers and sub-stations. Every day, we face intense voltage fluctuation and at times, power cuts too,” G. Madan Mohan, a resident of Velachery said.
However, senior TANGEDCO officials said the incidences of voltage fluctuation may decrease soon as the falling temperature will lead to the reduced usage of air-conditioners in the city.
“The city’s demand touched 3,000 MW during the summer. Increased usage of air-conditioners caused overloading. Now, their use is gradually decreasing as the nights are getting cooler. In the coming days, the load will also reduce,” a senior TANGEDCO official said.
