CHENNAI: The TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Co. Ltd.) is strengthening the distribution network by setting up new sub-stations (SS) to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the capital city. The aim is to create a robust infrastructure to meet the high demand in summer.
Speaking to Express here, a senior TANGEDCO official said that from March, 2017, Chennai would be free from power outages with the State power discom (distribution company) planning to re-lay the transmission cables and to strengthen the distribution network.
“Projects worth more than Rs 1,000 crore for setting up new SS in various parts of the city have been taken up,” he said.
According to the TANGEDCO officials, the maximum demand expected in the summer of 2017 would be around 3200 MW. To meet this, SS and additional transformers in existing SS were being installed.
A 400/230 KV SS in Manali and 230 KV SS in RA Puram, Mambalam and CMRL (Chennai Metro Rail Ltd.) were being set up, according to the discom.
The interim stay on the installation of 400 KV transmission lines between Kalivanthapattu SS and Ottiambakkam SS was lifted last year by the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal. “Work in the Ottiambakkam SS is expected to be completed by December this year,” said the official.
Additionally, 110 KV SS at six places in the city, including Anna University, RK Nagar and Pallikaranai, are to be installed along with 33 KV SS in five areas including Vaigai Colony and DLF.
To meet the additional demand in and around the city, an additional transformer is being installed in the existing SS in key locations in the city including Kilpauk, Mambalam and Koyambedu.
The idea is that in case one of the two transformers at an SS fails, the lone functioning transformer will not be overburdened when there is an additional transformer to share the load.
The transmission corridor, when strengthened would help bring power from far off locations in times of shortage and avoid power cuts. Chennai has been accorded priority in view of the large number of industrial, commercial and domestic consumers in the city.