Hazaribag power supply set for major boost as state grids near launch

Hazaribag: The year 2026 is expected to mark a turning point for the power department in Hazaribag, with arrangements for regular electricity supply from the town to remote villages nearing completion.

Jharkhand’s own power grids at Vishnugarh and Barkagaon blocks have been constructed and are almost ready for commissioning.Until now, Hazaribag has depended largely on power supplied through the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). Faults in DVC feeders have frequently triggered disruptions, inconveniencing residents, businesses and industries. With the two new grids coming onstream, electricity will also be routed through Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) and the national grid, giving the district an alternative supply source.Superintending engineer Subrato Banerjee said the facilities are open-access power grids and are likely to become operational in the next two months. The Barkagaon grid will provide regular supply to Barkagaon, Keredari and Demotand areas, while the Vishnugarh grid will strengthen distribution in Vishnugarh, Tatijharia, Daru and Sadar. Once they start functioning, the load on the Tandwa grid will automatically decrease.

Banerjee said the district’s electricity demand has risen sharply in recent years. With reduced use of cooking gas, many households have shifted to induction-based cooking, multiplying demand. The widespread use of air-conditioners has added further pressure, resulting in frequent tripping, transformer failures and interruptions.According to him, the new grids will bring greater stability to transmission and distribution.

Hazaribag town, currently dependent on DVC supply, will also get new feeders, creating another option for uninterrupted power. The department expects the overall power situation to improve significantly once the projects become fully operational.Work under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is also under way. Underground cabling is being laid to strengthen the network and curb electricity theft.

The number of transformers and their capacities are also being increased to meet rising demand, Banerjee confirmed.On concerns over higher bills after smart meter installation, Banerjee said the rise is mainly due to increased consumption, not metering inaccuracies. He advised consumers to compare usage before and after smart meters to clear misconceptions.