Thunderstorm blacks out South Sikkim

NAMCHI, 05 June: Heavy rain accompanied by strong thunderstorm in South Sikkim last evening has caused extensive damage here uprooting trees and damaging the electricity supply lines in different places. Most parts of South Sikkim have been blacked out for more than 24 hours and another 72 hours are needed to restore power supply in the area, it is learnt.
According to Assistant Engineer, Jagat Thapa, a team from the Power department along with additional labour has been deployed by the department to restore the damaged power lines. He further informed that damage was so severe that power supply of Namchi (LT line and 11 KV high transmission line) was totally damaged due to trees falling at different places.
He also informed that another 3 to 4 days is needed to completely restore the damages and they are trying their best for early restoration.
“Our entire team along with additional workers is working at different segments of damage”, said Mr Thapa adding that they are trying to restore the bazaar areas first.
Power supply was briefly restored to some parts of Namchi by 8 pm this evening, however, the supply remained erratic.
People coming for official work, bank related work and businesses suffered the most throughout the day.

Bad weather disrupts power supply to Rumtek, Pakyong and surroundings

GANGTOK, 20 April: Heavy rain, hailstones, high intensity wind and lightning have damaged power overhead lines and control equipment in Rumtek, Pakyong and the adjoining areas resulting in power failure in the area for the last 48 hours, the Energy and Power Department informs.
A press release issued by Executive Engineer, Power Department, Sonam Tshering Bhutia adds that the officers and staff of the department are on the field trying to restore the damaged lines. The Department regrets the inconvenience caused to the consumers, the release adds.

Disrupted power supply holds up Khamsel Lakhang construction at Tholung

MANGAN, 16 Dec: Electricity supply to Tholung Gumpa in North Sikkim, sourced from Bey, had been installed for the first time on 09 September by the Power & Energy Department, but collapsed within 10 days in the hands of the 18 September Earthquake. The substantial loss is made worse for people here by the fact that the already delayed Khamsel Lakhang construction work at the monastery has been held up again due to the disruption in power supply.

Landslide trips trees, snaps power supply to Gangtok

POWER PERSONNEL REPAIR LINES AFTER 24 HOURS OF WORK
GANGTOK, 01 July: After labouring for more than 24 hours Power & Energy Department personnel were able to fully restore power supply to Gangtok and surrounding areas at around 3.30 pm today.
Trees brought down by a landslide on the intervening night of 29 and 30 June at Lower Arithang along the Indira Byepass Road had snapped the two 11KVA power supply lines servicing Gangtok-I and Gangtok-II zones.
Speaking to NOW!, KT Lepcha, Divisional Engineer of the Power Department confirmed that the restoration work which began at 8.30 a.m. yesterday could restore supply only for Gangtok II Zone, which covers Arithang, Paljor Stadium and its surrounding areas.

Electricity and internet connectivity woes at Rangpo

RANGPO, 23 June: Rangpo, an upcoming educational and industrial hub, has been facing regular power cuts and internet connectivity problems for a while now. The power cuts are affecting the industries as well as local residents, entrepreneurs and students.
Half-yearly examinations have begun and hence it is the students who are bearing the brunt of the frequent power cuts. 

5hr power-cut to facilitate maintenance work at Topakhani switchyard

GANGTOK, 20 June: The 66 /11 KV “switching sub-station” at Topakhani in East Sikkim will be undergoing maintenance of the switchyard on 22 June from 12 pm to 5 pm, informs a press communiqué received from the Power Department.
This shut down will affect power supply to - Singtam Bazaar to 32 No. (Middle Camp), Sirwani, Lower & Upper Khamdong, Sumik-Lingzey, Tumin, Rakdong-Tintek, etc.