UT yet to get approval for additional power in June

An official of the electricity department said that in case there is a problem in the frequency of power,a warning is issued by the NRLDC. He added that while initial warnings are given,in case of repeated violations,a penalty is imposed,which entails a heavy charge for the units of electricity drawn.

The Administration had invited tenders in March to purchase an additional 110 MW for May. The approval for the coming month is awaited. The majority of the power requirement for Chandigarh is met through the city’s share from the Central Generating Power Stations (CGS) of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC),National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) as allocated by the Central government. In addition,the department also buys power from BBMB and the open market.

The city,meanwhile,is reeling under power cuts,that at times extend up to a couple of hours. With the day temperature being recorded at 42.2 degrees on Friday,the power requirement increases with more air-conditioners being put to use. Officials state that power trips due to overloading as the load being consumed has not been declared by the residents.

At places like the Motor Market in Manimajra,people are complaining about fluctuation of voltage due to which business is suffering.

Residents rue that despite assurances from the Administration that there would be no rotational cuts this year,the power situation is bleak and breakdowns are frequent.