Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
* Measures results in reduction of peak demand by 1000 MW and saving of 1200 MUs annually
* Punjab cities to have underground power cables network)
Chandigarh, With a view to conserve energy Punjab State has adopted various technical measures and innovative initiatives that resulted in dropping of considerable peak demand by about 1000 MW and savings of 1200 MUs annually besides ensuring cutting down transmission and distribution (T & D) losses and checking theft of energy. Punjab would also be the first state in the country to have all urban areas with underground power cables network in order to have a wire free roads and uninterrupted power supply with a investment of rupees 2000 crore.
Giving the details, an official spokesman said that on the directions of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who also holds the power portfolio, to create best power infrastructure in the state Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has implemented major initiatives to control theft of energy and scaling down T & D losses that included shifting of low voltage distribution system to high voltage distribution system, replacement of ordinary lamps with CFLs, addition of capacitors, shifting of meters outside consumers premises, up-gradation and strengthening of distribution system, automated meter reading (AMR) facilities etc. He said that such measures have resulted in dropping of peak demand by about 1000 MW and saving of 1200 MUs annually.
He said the best performing Power Distribution Utility award to Punjab was a slap on the face of those ridiculing the dream of SAD-BJP to make Punjab a power surplus state.
He further added that T & D system of major towns in Punjab was being up-graded and strengthened in a phased manner. Giving details he informed that Punjab would be the first state in the country to have all urban areas with underground power cables network in order to have a wire free roads and uninterrupted power supply within next two years. He further added that there was 8.55 percent increase in 66 KV grids and sub-stations, 21.22 percent increase in capacity of 66KV sub-stations, 23.51 percent increase in the number of distribution transformers, 3.79 percent increase in the length of distribution lines and 2.69 percent reduction in T & D losses against 4.9 percent increase in consumers and 4.34 percent increase in tubewell connections.
He said that for lowering T & D losses in the state an amount Rs. 30 crore for the year 2014-15, 33 crore for 2015-16 and Rs. 37 crore have been earmarked for year 2016-17 to upgrade transmission lines. Besides this, Rs. 469 crore would be spent during current fiscal for 33 KV and 66 KV transmission lines, grid upgradation and constructions whereas Rs. 515 crore and Rs. 568 crore have been earmarked for the same purpose in the next two years.
Highlighting the initiative of PSPCL for improving the quality of power supply besides reducing losses, spokesman said that all 12428 villages of the state have been provided with quality supply on urban pattern. Besides, all Deras and Dhanis have also been provided with facility of urban pattern supply and rural water works have also been connected with it.
