Work is in progress at Vedagiri Street in Chintadripet to install a 250kv transformer, one of fifteen sanctioned by the State for Chintadripet.
The move is aimed at preventing power fluctuation during summer. The measure has reportedly not gone down well with the residents, who think an additional transformer would further shrink road space.
Vedagiri Street, around 20 feet wide, has a few public utilities including a water tank and the street is congested during rush hour.
Residents of Vedagiri Street have also complained the new transformer has been installed only 200 metres away from the existing 250 kv transformer.
Safety is another concern.
“Any mishap like snapping of power cables would pose danger. Instead of installing an additional transformer with the same capacity, the capacity of the existing transformer could be upgraded to address power fluctuations in the neighbourhood,” said R. Veluswamy, a long-time resident of Chintadripet.
Of the 15 new transformers, nine have the capacity of 250 kv each and the rest, 100kv each. At present, Chintadripet has 56 transformers of which 23 have a capacity of 500kv each.
“The new transformer, which costs around Rs. 3 lakh, is mainly being installed to prevent power fluctuation. Once summer sets in, the existing transformer is likely to suffer overload due to longer usage of air conditioners,” said a Tangedco official.
Under the Chintadripet sub-station, there are around 15,000 power connections, for too below the requirement. The sub-station covers Ritchie Street and a portion of Anna Salai, which are lined with many commercial complexes.
