Transformer on narrow street in Chennai raises safety concerns

The transformer on Pillayar Koil Street in Thiruvanmiyur is proving to be a hindrance for motorists. —Photo: M. Karunakaran

The installation of a transformer on a narrow road has raised the hackles of residents at Pillayar Koil Street in Thiruvanmiyur.

This road, where Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) has installed the transformer, does not even have a width of 30 feet, and as a result of this, passersby are exposed to danger.

Shanthi Kamalasekaran, a social activist in Adyar, said the street being the main approach road to the famous Marundeeswarar Temple, smooth flow of traffic was bound to be affected due to the placement of the new transformer.

The residents in the locality allege the transformer had been installed mainly for the benefit of a big apartment complex constructed a few months ago.

Citing the case of a transformer being installed inside an individual house near the apartment complex in question, a resident sought to know why the same procedure was not followed in the case of the apartment complex.

T. Sadagopan, a consumer activist, pointed out the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission’s regulation that in buildings having a floor area of more than 900 square metres (9,687.52 feet), provision for installation of transformers should be made.

He said it was surprising the rule had been ignored in this case.

When asked about transformers being installed on narrow roads, a senior official of Tangedco said instructions were issued to local officials a few months ago in connection with providing new power connections.

He said as per regulation 29, sub regulation 12 of the TNERC Distribution code, if the floor area exceeded 900 sq. mts. (excluding basement/stilt floor) or the total demand of all the low tension services in the building exceeded 150 Kilo Watt (KW), erection of a distribution transformer inside the premises was mandatory.

Moreover, another senior official of Tangedco said the transformer installed on this street was less than 100 kilo volt ampere (KVA) providing a load of only around 90 KW.

He also pointed out that the installation of a transformer with a lower capacity raised the question of the sanctioning authority, as higher capacity would require permission from senior officials.

Residents say the transformer was installed for the benefit of one apartment complex