Power cuts have become frequent in Tuticorin. Though there has been no load shedding, power outages at frequent intervals in several parts of Tuticorin have been haunting the people.
The frequent suspension of power supply – once in 30 minutes – and resumption of supply after five to 10 minutes certainly test the patience of people.
M. Balasubramanian, councillor of ward 46, said here on Sunday that this problem had been more accentuated in the last two days.
Such problems had become a routine for the residents of some areas covered under Sipcot substation, which supplied power through a 16-kilometre transmission line. Mostly, power lines were ill-equipped and no maintenance works have been carried out.
When the problems were represented to Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) officials, they said heavy wind struck most of the power lines, suspending supply.
Earlier, power lines had been connected to Tuticorin Town substation on Ettayapuram Road, and Tangedco staff could easily sort out problems. Hence, the existing power lines from Sipcot substation should be connected to Tuticorin Town substation.
Mr. Balasubramanian said if this was not done, a massive protest, involving the residents, would be staged here soon.
Tangedco sources said that power lines in over 35 electricity poles were severed following strong winds across Tuticorin over the last two days. Moreover, a 230 KV tower was uprooted as the wind swept through Muthaiyapuram.
Tower line construction personnel were restoring the dysfunctional tower, which affected supply. Besides, restoration works were under way in 13 salt pan areas to supply power. A transformer at Veeranayakkan Thattu, a residential locality, had also been affected following heavy winds. However, the strong winds triggered output of over 2,000 mw wind energy on Saturday, sources said.
