Keeping in view of the severe constraints and damages faced by the power sector due to recent Hudhud cyclone, the Andhra Pradesh Government/power utilities are gearing up to meet any exigency that may arise due to any natural calamities.
Energy Secretary Ajay Jain while reviewing the performance of power sector and progress of restoration works of Hudhud cyclone along with top officials of AP power sector, stated that a decision has been taken to constitute the technical committee to study the ways & means of restoration works within shortest period during natural calamities that may arise in future.
Jain further said that one cannot prevent natural disasters but can minimize damage/loss to human beings, properties, machinery, power systems etc., It was observed that our preparedness in handling such cyclones was not fully geared up. Hence, a technical committee is constituted to suggest new technologies, inventions, which are required for meeting the cyclone emergencies within 2 or 3 days as desired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
The Committee shall study, deliberate and advice the State Government on steps to be taken up to restore the power system within lowest possible time in the event of natural disasters such as cyclones, tsumani, earthquakes etc. The technical committee consists of Director/HR/APSPDCL, Chief Engineer/Vijayawada Zone/APSPDCL, Chief General Manager/RA&PP/APEPDCL and Executive Engineer/Civil/APEPDCL. The committee shall submit a report to Govt. within a period of 15 days with a comprehensive Action Plan along with a manual for ready reference during emergencies.
The committee would look into the following aspects: Adoption of latest technologies in manufacturing of Power System equipments such as Poles, Transformers, Conductor, Tower parts etc, which can with stand severe cyclone storms; Recommendations with regard to adoption of latest equipments, advanced equipment such as Pit Digging Machines /Pole erection equipment, Emergency restoration system (ERS) for EHT lines, adoption of international practices for restoration works, so that the restoration time can be minimized and can be made within 48 Hours, in cases of severe cyclone storms.
Further, Jain has informed that a conference/seminar with the leading manufacturers of electrical equipment, latest machinery, technology, poles, conductors, Distribution Transformers is also proposed to be conducted soon to appraise them of the latest modifications required in the designs and manufacturing practices duly adopting latest technologies, to produce world class equipment/products which can withstand severe cyclones such as Hudhud or even severe ones.
The Energy Secretary has informed that almost 100 per cent of restoration works are completed except for about 6,000 non agricultural services which are located in isolated pockets and appreciated the efforts of electricity employees who have strived hard in restoring the power supply within a record time during this Hudhud cyclone. (INN)