Micro-level audit planned for uninterrupted power supply during summer

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (TNPDCL) is set to carry out a comprehensive summer preparedness review by Feb each year to ensure that the distribution network is strong enough to withstand the additional load between March and June and provide uninterrupted power supply.The review will identify distribution transformers and 11kV feeders operating at more than 80% of their capacity, power transformers loaded beyond 75%, and low-voltage pockets and areas witnessing rapid demand growth or recurring equipment failures and augment their capacity.Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued an advisory in this regard to distribution companies across the country to prevent outages in summer.

Chennai was one of the worst affected cities as several neighbourhoods suffered hours together without electricity. And the problem persists, as instances of disruptions recur across the city.CEA has recommended discoms to carry out an annual audit of power load at the micro level of 33kV substations and distribution transformers — the critical last mile infrastructure in the power supply system — to study the growth in unaccounted demand.

Distribution transformers with more than 90% load will be immediately augmented on priority. The advisory also directs utilities to complete preventive maintenance before March every year including inspection of transformers and substations, tree trimming, checking transformer oil levels and ensuring capacitor banks are fully operational before the peak summer season.CEA has also asked discoms to adopt scientific load forecasting based on historical demand, weather conditions, consumer additions, air-conditioner penetration, electric vehicle charging growth and industrial expansion.

As part of medium-term reforms, CEA has urged utilities to strengthen scientific distribution planning, establish new substations in high-growth areas, undertake feeder bifurcation where necessary and adopt predictive asset health monitoring.TNPDCL has already undertaken a ₹2,000 crore project to strengthen the city’s power transmission and distribution network. Officials are confident that Chennai will not face the same ordeal next year. “We will include CEA’s advisory in our augmentation plan and periodical assessment at substation and transformer level will be carried out,” said an official.