Come March 2014, power supply in the capital would be restored in a jiffy in case of snags and disruptions.
South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (SBPDCL) has set a target to install air-break (AB) switches in 4,000 distribution transformers in Patna Electric Supply Undertaking (Pesu) areas by March, 2014. Installation of AB switches in transformers would help the distribution company in quick restoration of power supply.
If a transformer is equipped with an AB switch, then the power supply would be affected only in those households, which draw power from that particular distribution transformer. However, if the transformer is not equipped with an AB switch, then the power has to be snapped from the sub-station to allow the repair of the fuse or carry out maintenance work.
At present, residents of large parts of the capital are forced to wait endlessly for restoration of power supply every time a transformer develops a snag. To rectify it, the power supply of the entire area has to be switched off.
Quite frequently, a fuse needs to be repaired in a particular transformer, forcing a supply shutdown. Only 50 per cent of the 4,000 transformers supplying power to more than four lakh consumers in the capital have been equipped with AB switches.
“The distribution company aims to install AB switches in all distribution transformers under Pesu’s jurisdiction by the end of March. All Pesu transformers would have the device to ensure smooth power supply before summer starts,” a source said.
He said the company had floated tenders for installation of AB switches apart from Pesu carrying out the job on its own to speed up the work.
Sources said the remaining 50 per cent transformers would be equipped with AB switches under restructured accelerated power development and reforms programme.
During a review meet- ing with power company officials and district magistrates held through video- conferencing on Wednesday, chief secretary Ashok Kumar Sinha emphasised the completion of installing AB switch in every transformer across the state, especially in urban centres.
