Massive power rationing in Dimapur, businesses running on borrowed time
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 24
Dimapur is currently experiencing what could be termed as the worst electricity crisis in years. Following the charring of a 20Mva (66/33kv) transformer on November 12, a second went kaput on November 20 at the Nagarjan Sub-station leaving only one to manage supply.
It has resulted in massive electricity rationing or load shedding virtually unheard of in other parts of the country. According to a Power department official, supply has now been curtailed to roughly six hours in a 24-hour cycle per sub-station. This means the respective sub-stations scheduling a one-hour on, 3-hour off supply rationing routine sector-wise, the official added.
In the business segment, small industrial units, in particular motor garages, iron fabrication workshops and electronics repair shops, have emerged to be the most affected as a result with orders delayed for days, if not weeks. Grocery stores and bakeries dependent on electricity for keeping coolers and warmers running have also been no lesser victims.
Hospitals and other small medical establishments, financial institutions have also been hit hard with their services almost entirely dependent on fuel power generators. “But for how long can we employ generators?” posed one medical professional when asked how medical establishments are faring.
ATMs going out service have been a common complaint since November 12.
One consumer went as far as to quip, “It will be interesting how the extended (power) cuts will impact billing for the electricity supplied.” The crisis and the resultant impact on the consumers is likely to continue for the next several days if replacements are not installed on a war footing.
It was informed that a 10Mva transformer was relocated only today from one segment of the Nagarjan sub-station to the spot from where it will be put into circuit. The department in the immediate aftermath of the November 12 transformer fire had stated that a spare 10Mva transformer will be activated in place of the charred transformer.
A department official said that the transformer was placed in the “bay area” today and fittings will begin on Saturday. “If nothing goes wrong it will take a minimum of 4 days to put it into circuit,” said the official.
An additional 20Mva (66/33Kv) transformer was enroute the sub-station as on Friday. This particular transformer was said to have been “borrowed” and will be used till new replacements are procured. The official added that it will be atleast two weeks before it goes into circuit.
As regards the transformer which malfunctioned on November 20, the official without providing any dates said that it can be repaired but “will take time.”
Procuring new transformers is an altogether different ball game. Besides passing the notoriously slow bureaucratic circuit, placing orders to manufacturers as per specification and transporting, according to department officials, is a harrowingly time-consuming ordeal.
