Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, May 25:
While the gruelling heat wave has disrupted normal life in Odisha, the one-hour loadshedding, announced by the state government in Khordha and Puri districts from today, has triggered panic among the people.
In a release on Sunday, the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (OPTCL) said there would be phase-wise loadshedding for 30 minutes during the day and night hours in Khordha and Puri districts including Bhubaneswar and Nimapara.
“Two extra high tension (EHT) towers between Narendrapur and Khordha and between Narendrapur and Mendhasala have been damaged by a twister in Nachuni near Balugan on Saturday. As a result, power supply from Narendrapur to Khordha and Mendhasala has been disrupted. It would take at least five days to restore these two EHT towers till May 30”, the release added.
"As decided, there would be a 30-minute power cut between 7 AM to 11 AM and another 30-minute power cut between 7 PM to 12 AM in the night. The power cut during the morning and night hours would be done in phases", said Sukant Kumar Das, superintending engineer of the Energy department.
In another release, the Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO) said due to damage of the two EHT towers, there would be a short supply of power of 50-60 MW.
“Since Bhubaneswar requires 250-315 MW daily, it would not be possible to supply the required power as all transformers cannot take the load. Considering the above, phase-wise loadshedding is indispensable”, it pointed out.