Load-shedding has become a regular feature in Delhi though the power distribution companies claim they have sufficient power. Outages of two to three hours and in some cases five to seven hours are being reported from several parts of the city almost daily.
Many in the power department claim that the storm, which played havoc with the transmission lines, is one big factor behind the continued load shedding. Over ten towers in several important power lines were badly affected due to the storm.
It had severely damaged Delhi Transco Limited’s 400/220 kV network, what is termed as the Capital’s ‘power lifeline’. It connects grid stations of Dadri, Mandola, Bawana, Bamnauli and Narela. Besides, over 1,000 trees fell on the power network damaging over 250 electricity poles.
Many officials in the discom claim that another reason behind the worsening situation of load-shedding is the DTL’s alleged failure in augmenting its transmission system over the past year. For instance, the Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited alleged that situation could have been under control had the DTL done what it has been asking for all along.
“It is unfortunate that none of the projects cited by us have been completed. Of the eight mentioned, six need to be finished immediately. These include the 220 kV sub-station at Peeragarhi, the 66 kV bay at Kanjhawala and addition of 220/66 kV transformer at Gopalpur grid. Two more projects need to be completed before the summer of 2016. Had these projects been finished on time, the situation post-May 30 storm would have been handled without any load shedding in the TPDDL areas,” said the spokesman.
But the DTL spokesperson claimed that the allegation was baseless and its response was timely.
