HYDERABAD: As non-availability of land has become a severe problem, the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TSSPDCL) is planning to set up indoor sub-stations in Hyderabad.
There are about 17.5 lakh power connections in Hyderabad district but just 107 33/11KV sub stations in the metro region. With each passing day, power consumption is increasing at a brisk pace and the number of sub-stations is simply not sufficient. There is an urgent need for setting up more sub-stations, if quality power supply has to be ensured, said an official from TSSPDCL Metro Zone.
But the non-availability of land is coming in the way of setting up new sub-stations in Hyderabad and works pertaining to more than 50 sub-stations are pending due to non availability of land in Hyderabad and its surroundings.
The situation is worse in areas like Chandrayangutta, Falaknuma and Santoshnagar among other areas in the Old City and on Hyderabad outskirts too where new colonies and townships have been growing at a rapid pace. Considering the non-availability of land, TSSPDCL has decided to go for indoor sub-stations in the city.
Outdoor sub-stations of 33/11 KV need at least three to five acres of land, depending upon the scale of operations. Indoor sub-stations can be set up within one-and-half acres, if planned properly. “Therefore, we have decided to go for indoor sub-stations in the future, though it costs more to construct them,” explained the official.
While construction of an outdoor sub-station costs between Rs 2-4 crore, an indoor sub-station needs Rs 6-8 crore. But due to scarcity of land and better power distribution facility due to advanced technology, TSSPDCL is opting for indoor sub-stations. The indoor sub-stations are compact in size and better when it comes to performance too.