Bijbehara, Jan 12: Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Circle Bijbehara of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) said that 1701 Distribution Transformers (DTs) were damaged in the last nine months.
This situation has been challenging for the department in managing and repairing the transformers within the specified time frame, officials said.
Muzaffar Ahmad Lone, Superintending Engineer (SE) O&M Division Bijbehara, said the divisions under his command have witnessed extensive damage to DTs due to increased load and rampant electricity usage. “The department is striving to promptly repair the transformers. However, the excessive use of electricity has resulted in substantial damage to DTs, further burdening our workshops to ensure timely repairs,” he said.
Lone said that between April 01, 2023, and December 31, 2023, a total of 1701 DTs were damaged across three divisions: Electric Division (ED) Anantnag, ED Bijbehara, and ED Kulgam.
“ED Anantnag recorded 760 damaged DTs, which were subsequently repaired in the divisional workshop at Anantnag and at Central Workshop Pampore. Similarly, in ED Bijbehara, 357 DTs were damaged, while in ED Kulgam, 584 DTs suffered damage,” he said, adding that consumers should use electricity judiciously and avoid using crude gadgets, as they are the main cause of transformer damage.
The Superintending Engineer said once smart meters are installed everywhere, the damage to DTs will decrease dramatically. Until then, massive inspection drives also aid in reducing overloading on electricity transformers, helping save them from damage, he said.
“We have three workshops in the Circle – in Kulgam, Anantnag, and Bijbehara – to expedite repairs at the earliest possible time. Additionally, the Divisional Workshop at Pampore further facilitates repairs in majorly damaged DTs,” the engineer added.
