DHENKANAL: Power supply in the district is dogged by various problems including power-cuts, poor infrastructure and lack of coordination between Central Electricity Supply Utility (CESU) and Enzen, the power distribution company. It has led to widespread resentment among the consumers.
According to sources, 1.12 lakh households including BPL card holders figure in list of electricity consumers in the district.
Around 15,000 consumers belong to Dhenkanal Municipality. Though CESU is now declaring power-cuts in some areas of the district through private television (TV) channels, very few consumers know about the scheduled power-cuts in rural areas as many of them do not have TV.
Besides, due to lack of coordination among CESU and Enzen officials, the undeclared power-cuts continue for long hours disrupting normal life as well as official works. CESU officials alleged that Enzen has not engaged adequate staff to check the unscheduled power-cuts while Enzen officials declined to comment on it.
Recently, locals of Anand Bazaar raised voice against CESU and Enzen demanding uninterrupted power supply.
Meanwhile, two officials have died on duty at Nadhara and Bhapur and another sustained injuries at College square due to lack of coordination between CESU and Enzen officials on power supply.
Official sources said since 1965, the damaged power infrastructure is yet to be replaced.
Admitting the situation, CESU Executive Engineer Bani Prasad Mohanty said in many places, reconductoring of power lines and system improvement need immediate attention. There is one sub-station in college square since long. In order to provide improved voltage and uninterrupted power supply, another sub-station of 11 KV capacity is going to be installed within a week at Dakhinkali of the town, Mohanty said.
Mohanty claimed that the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) programme is going on in full swing with State Government’s support. For this programme, `18 crore has been estimated.
Without mentioning the deadline of completion of the works, Mohanty said the CAPEX programme includes reconductoring of power lines, interposing of poles and improvement of existing infrastructure system on outsourcing basis.
Official sources said another State sponsored programme, Odisha Distribution System Strengthening Project (ODSSP), is all set to be implemented after tender process is over.
In the first phase, six sub-stations out of 13 works will be taken up. Similarly, the detailed project report (DPR) on second CAPEX programme of the State is on progress. It includes whole power projects including Dhenkanal district.
Mohanty said the unscheduled power-cuts in the district are due to failure of grid point. State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) has informed failure of seven units due to depletion of hydro reservoir levels.
Two officials have died on duty at Nadhara and Bhapur and another sustained injuries at College square due to lack of coordination between CESU and Enzen officials on power supply
1.12 lakh households including BPL card holders figure in list of electricity consumers in the district. Around 15,000 consumers belong to Dhenkanal Municipality