Repairs constrict supply, power cuts follow

ANAND OBEROI
GANGTOK, 29 Jan: The capital and other parts of Sikkim have been suffering erratic power supply for the past few weeks. While most parts of Gangtok were without electricity for most part of the day today, load shedding has been around for a while, coming mostly during peak load hours between 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The peak electricity demand for the entire state during winters is recorded at 80 MW per day, but Sikkim is currently receiving barely 50 MW. This shortfall of 30 MW in supply has been cited as the reason necessitating load-shedding by rotation in Sikkim.
Sources at the department inform that the Power Grid Corporation India Ltd has been shutting down the Siliguri-Melli 132 KV transmission line and the Kurseong-Rangit 132 KV transmission line on a continuous basis since 27 January; a procedure which is scheduled to continue till 02 February 2013. This shutdown, it is informed, is being done for emergency stringing of transmission line conductors at a new tower location (No. 194) situated near Kurseong in West Bengal.
With the two transmission lines down, the Eastern Regional Load Dispatch [ERLD], Kolkata, which is the main grid that supplies power to Sikkim, has restricted Sikkim’s net withdrawal to 50 MW [against a peak demand of 80 MW] to avoid tripping of power in grid disturbance. This has necessitated load-shedding during the peak demand hours from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.    
As for the power cut in Gangtok today, officials explain that this was owing to new maintenance works on the 66 KV double circuit transmission line and bay at Tadong. The maintenance will continue on 30 Jan as well and similar power cut is expected. The power cut has affected New Cantt, Tadong, Syari, Deorali, Pani House, Nam-Nang, MG Marg, Lingding, Bye-Pass and Ghattey, Rumtek on 29 and 30 January.
While consumers will not have complaints against repair-related power cuts, they are unanimous in complaining that these could have been announced more widely and more in advance.

Lower Rakdong residents complain of erratic power supply

PLAN TO APPROACH POWER MINISTER WITH GRIEVANCES
MANGAN, 15 April: Residents of Lower Rakdong, irked by the erratic power supply in the area, have demanded why the Power Department has not been able to solve this problem which has plagued the area for the past many months.
The people, especially those from the villages of Sokpay, Raidang and 3rd Mile, are tired of the irregular power supply in their villages and allege negligence on the part of the concerned officers at the Power Department for not addressing the problem despite repeated requests.
“The power supply to these villages has not exceeded 8 to 10 days in a month and is sometimes even lower than this,” complained YB Manger while speaking to NOW!
The past week as well, the villages lived in the dark as there has been no supply for the past five days. “We have approached the concerned officials many times regarding the matter but no permanent solution has emerged,” rue the villagers.
The residents here also complain that the department issues the electricity bills on a yearly basis which poses a problem as they have to shell out a large sum in one go.
“We are already spending money on kerosene and when the department sends us the bill at the end of a year that too through our children, it is difficult for us to make the lump-sum payment. The department should send the bill on a monthly basis and we have not even seen the meter reader till now,” adds Besh Lall Sharma.
The only option left for us is to approach the Power Minister with our grievances, informed local residents. It is learnt that the electricity to these villages is supplied from Topakhani.