Out of 21 Lacs, PDD installed 4.27 Lac Smart meters till date
Jammu, December 15, 2023 (WD Wattan):
Swift Replacement of Damaged Transformers in City Areas
Amid a surge in damage to electric transformers, the government is considering a strategy to replace damaged transformers within four hours in city areas of both Jammu and Kashmir regions. However, rural areas will witness replacement within 24 hours.
Principal Secretary Power Development Department (PDD) H. Rajesh Prasad emphasized the urgency, stating that maintaining and replacing damaged transformers promptly is crucial to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.
Different Timelines for Urban and Rural Areas
Prasad elaborated on the instructions from the administration, highlighting the commitment to a four-hour replacement or repair window for damaged transformers in urban settings, while efforts are underway to adhere to a 24-hour timeline in rural areas.
He acknowledged challenges in far-flung regions, suggesting that exceeding the 24-hour timeframe might be inevitable in such locations.
Progress in Smart Meter Installation
Addressing the installation of smart meters, Prasad provided statistics, stating, “Out of 21 lakh consumers, 4.27 Lakh smart meters have been installed in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Measures Against Unscheduled Power Cuts
In response to concerns about unscheduled power cuts, Prasad assured that the government has instructed authorities to adhere strictly to prescribed schedules. He emphasized that unscheduled cuts should only occur if necessary for maintenance purposes.
Addressing Complaints and Seeking Intervention
Despite these assurances, complaints persist in various Kashmir regions. Prasad acknowledged technical difficulties leading to some unscheduled power cuts and pledged to streamline the situation. Local residents have sought the intervention of LG Manoj Sinha to alleviate the impact of power cuts during the bone-chilling cold, especially in the evenings.
