Stage is set for laying underground electrical cables covering a total distance of 100 km in Vijayawada as part of the upgrading of infrastructure of the A.P Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL).
The government has sanctioned 20 km of 11 KV underground cables in the first phase and also 23 km of high-quality overhead cables coated with specialty chemicals for insulation.
SPDCL officials are preparing estimates of the underground cabling to the extent of 100 km. Meanwhile, the government has given clearance for the construction of a 132/33 KV Gas-Insulated Sub-Station (GIS) opposite the Chief Minister’s camp office in Vijayawada by AP-Transco and two 33/11 KV GIS by SPDCL at locations yet to be finalised.“The construction of GIS takes not less than a year, and the process of calling tenders has been set in motion,” an SPDCL official told The Hindu. GIS projects are taken up under the Integrated Power Development Scheme of the Union government.
As part of streamlining of infrastructure for bringing down technical losses, the SPDCL began replacing 11 KV trunk lines (those situated on main roads) of 55 square mm thickness with 100 square mm lines wherever new ones are required. Similarly, 55 square mm low-tension lines are being substituted for 34 square mm lines.Besides, new 33/11 KV sub-stations are getting ready at Bharati Nagar, Gollapudi, Mahadevapuram Colony, Prasadampadu, Alankar Theatre and Krishnalanka. Due priority is given to fencing of unprotected distribution transformers in the city whose number is pegged at about 150.
While improving the facilities, the SPDCL is closely monitoring the power supply patterns to ensure 24/7 supply. The idea is to replace faulty equipment with new ones, particularly the scores of feeders, which bear more than the stipulated loads.Interruptions across the city are also sought to be prevented. A special software, like the one adopted by the Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited, will be integrated with the load monitoring system shortly for keeping track of slippages.
