A complete power shutdown was witnessed in the Malwa region, on Saturday, after the 220 kv power grid station in Singhan Wala village, 12 km from here, caught fire following a blast in one of the electricity transformers of the grid at about 2.30 pm.
About 26 transformers of 11 kv, 12.5 kv and 132/5 kv capacity were completely damaged due to the fire.
According to officials of the grid, the expensive machinery worth about `Rs 5 crore was burnt in just a few minutes.
Several fire brigades reached the spot from Moga, Barnala, Jagraon and Kotkapura with foam mixed water and, after a struggle of two hours, they were able to control the fire.
Power was disconnected to several areas of Moga, Faridkot, Ferozepur, Bathinda and Muktsar immediately.
A special team, under the supervision of several senior officials of the Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL) and Power Grid Corporation and Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), reached the grid station in the evening. A probe has been ordered to find out the cause of the fire.
"We have made alternative arrangements for continuing the power supply in the rural and urban areas of Moga, Muktsar, Faridkot and Moga districts. Fifteen expert mechanics have reached the Singhan Wala grid station to repair the damaged equipment. They hope to take more than 20 days for repairs," said an official of the PSTCL.
{{/usCountry}}"We have made alternative arrangements for continuing the power supply in the rural and urban areas of Moga, Muktsar, Faridkot and Moga districts. Fifteen expert mechanics have reached the Singhan Wala grid station to repair the damaged equipment. They hope to take more than 20 days for repairs," said an official of the PSTCL.
{{/usCountry}}The officials said power cables were also damaged along with the CT unit and they were trying to restore the power supply at 220 kv grid.
Darshan Singh, executive engineer of the grid, said, "After repairing the grid, we will find out the reasons of the fire. However, we will not be able to say anything regarding the incident."