More transformers to be set up to counter power issues in Visakhapatnam

Due to the muggy climate prevailing in the city, people are choosing to stay in their homes rather than going out and getting caught in the scorching heat or the sudden downpours. Adding further to the woes, the recent power cuts have started to irk the people of Visakhapatnam. While places like Dabagardens and Old Post office have been witnessing power cuts daily for long hours, there are a few areas which experience power fluctuations at odd times, disturbing their household chores.

Addressing the issues, Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) would be setting up 1,076 transformers within the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) limits covering Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli and Bheemili to prevent such power related problems in the coming days. The project aims to provide uninterrupted power to nearly 25 Lakh consumers and perk up its power supply network.  

The chairman and managing director of APEPDCL, HY Dora, told TOI that under the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS), the city-based discom has planned on setting up 2,363 transformers across five coastal districts. These works have begun since 2016 and are still being carried forward.

Besides, he also stated that most of the customers have more contracted load than actual connected load because of the usage of various appliances without regularising the additional load with APEPDCL. This is the major cause of overloading, thereby, leading to a poor quality of power supply to other customers.

The project would help in providing more power as it will increase the capacity of transformers. The consumers who use unauthorized extra domestic loads can now use it voluntarily by paying only Rs 600 with a 50% discount on development charge, as against Rs 1200 per KW. This offer has already been informed to the consumers and is valid from May 1st to 31st.

Source credit- Times of India