The searing heat has resulted in the electricity demand slowly inching towards the 15,000 mega watt (MW) mark, with the highest demand being registered at 14,736 MW on April 12. Complaints of power cuts have starting coming in. Against this backdrop, the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) has directed officials to maintain uninterrupted power supply at all substations.
A senior official of Tangedco said that it had been proposed to request the various agencies including Metrowater, BSNL, Chennai Corporation, Public Works Department and Highways to coordinate with the local Tangedco officials regarding any road cut works in the city. He cited an incident in which a 33/11 kilo volt (KV) power cable was damaged by a telephone service provider in Tirumangalam a few days ago causing power blackout in a portion of locality. This measure would be in place till the summer season is over, he added.
The official said as underground cable network had been provided in almost 90 per cent of the city, damage to power cables causes severe hardships and it would be time-consuming for maintenance workers to remedy the situation.
The subject of road cut involves the Greater Chennai Corporation, and the civic agency has been conducting bimonthly coordination meetings regarding road cuts that are attended by various service departments.
A senior official of the civic body said that to solve the problem posed by road cuts carried out by these agencies, a software had been developed in the Corporation portal to send alerts to various service agencies.
Also, the service providers would be able to view online the road works to be taken up by the agencies. The software developed by the Bus Route Road department based on the recommendations of the Commissioner is undergoing trail.
