CHENNAI: Residents of Kamakshi Nagar, Mugalivakkam, have been experiencing power cuts for at least an hour almost every day; that is attributed to the overloaded distribution transformer in the locality.
Said a resident of 25 years, Sarasu S, whose husband runs a mechanic shop near the transformer, “Fiery sparks from the transformer is very common and accompanied by the sound of an explosion. We are worried that it may lead to fire hazards or injuries.”
Residents in the locality, especially in Kamakshi Nagar along with neighbouring Sabari Nagar and Sriram Nagar, which together accommodate over 200 houses, say the frequent power cuts have been persisting for several years now.
“The power cuts are unscheduled and happen during peak hours when they disrupt the routine in most households,” said Shivani S, a resident.
Though transformers are usually designed to recognise a spike in energy and turn off accordingly, they may not be able to always do so in time to prevent an overload.
Said Kanchana Srinivasan, a resident who also runs a beauty salon in the area, “I have been running a beauty parlour in Kamakshi Nagar for the last three years and have been residing in Sriram Nagar for the last 14 years. The power outage here is much higher when compared to other parts of the city.”
“Apart from the usual maintenance power cuts, every day the power is out at least four or five times a day, taking more than an hour to be restored each time. My parents often refuse to stay in our apartment because of the power cuts during the night,” she added.
According to a TANGEDCO official, the frequent power cuts are due to the roads being dug up by other government and private agencies.
"They keep digging the roads and in the process damaging the underground power cables. The transformer is not overloaded,” he said.