Ailing power infrastructure fails to meet rising demand

Power demand is rising every year. And so is the duration of power outages every summer. But what has remained unchanged is the ailing infrastructure.

Power demand is rising every year. And so is the duration of power outages every summer. But what has remained unchanged is the ailing infrastructure.
Transformers, cables, power lines, etc have not been upgraded and replaced to keep pace with the surging demand. The situation is all the more alarming in summers when demand peaks because of which transformers collapse and lines trip.

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The power department has been asking distribution companies to upgrade their infrastructure but all its reminders have gone unheard.

"There aren’t enough transformers across the Capital to meet the demand. This is usually one of the primary reasons for the power cuts," said a senior Delhi government official.

“Discoms have not upgraded their infrastructure and old transformers cannot handle the excess load. This causes regular tripping. Increased humidity during summers worsens the situation,” said the official.

Then, there is a blame-game between the three power distribution companies and the transmission utility, Transco limited.
Discoms claim they can only deliver power when it reaches their distribution grids. They say regular breakdowns in the transmission network of Transco result in power cuts.

Power discoms also say they cannot change the faulty transformers and cables because of the lack of funds and space.

“We need adequate space for setting up necessary infrastructure such as sub-stations, power grid and wires. At times, residents don’t provide space for these and hence there is a problem in augmenting the infrastructure in colonies. Lack of funds is another obstacle,” said a power distribution company official.
Last year, Delhiites faced power cuts ranging from one to four hours as the maximum temperature crossed 45 degrees. The power demand is expected to cross the 6,000 MW mark this year, putting tremendous pressure on the current infrastructure.