Power utilities to increase height of transformers

MUMBAI: The MSEB Holding Company Limited (MSEB-HCL) has asked power utilities in the state to increase the height of their power supply transformers and keep response teams ready to combat any emergency.

This is to avert power blackouts in the wake of widespread rains, similar to the deluge of 26/7.

State Energy Minister Dilip Walse-Patil said that MSEB-HCL has set up control rooms at Kalyan, Sangli, Kolhapur and other places which experienced heavy flooding during last year's monsoon.

Responding to queries over Mumbai's power disruptions due to flooding of transformers of Reliance Energy, Patil stated that the company has now raised the height of its 171 low lying transformers.

Patil said there was a single line power supply to sub-stations now. In the next six years Rs. 17,204 crores would be spent to upgrade the transmission line network.

Rs 5,80,258 crores would be spent over the next three years for the three state power utilities, Patil said. The amount will be spent in setting up 138 EHV stations, laying 17,131 kilometers of transmission lines and setting up power projects.

The Mahagenco has drawn up investment plan worth Rs 29,278 crores for generation of 7,540 MWs of power by 2009.

Till 2008-09, when the overall Rs 7,56,808 crore infrastructure plan is fully implemented,  the State is to get 3,000 MWs of power from its own units, Dabhol, Tarapur atomic power plant and from the Center.