TGSPDCL Plans Network Expansion Amid El Niño Impact
Patil instructed officials to prepare power network expansion plans keeping in view not only current requirements but also the projected demand for the next five to ten years
Hyderabad: TGSPDCL Chairman and Managing Director, Jitesh V. Patil directed officials to prepare comprehensive network plans in coordination with TRANSCO and DISCOMs to meet the growing power demand in the State and the additional load expected during the coming summer season due to the impact of El Niño.
Speaking at the high-level “Network Planning – Summer Action Plan” review meeting held at the Central Power Training Institute (CPTI), Kalyan Nagar, on Tuesday, the CMD held detailed discussions on future power requirements and network strengthening initiatives.
During the meeting, the CMD stated that under the guidance of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, electricity demand in Telangana is increasing significantly due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, expansion of digital infrastructure, data centers, IT parks, electric mobility and new industrial corridors.
He instructed officials to prepare power network expansion plans keeping in view not only current requirements but also the projected demand for the next five to ten years.
Observing that power consumption is expected to rise further during the forthcoming summer owing to the El Niño effect, he directed TRANSCO and DISCOM officials to prepare a comprehensive Summer Action Plan, identify weak points in the transmission and distribution network in advance and take necessary corrective measures.
He also instructed officials to expedite capacity augmentation works at heavily loaded substations, feeders and power transformers.
The CMD directed officials to prepare circle-wise proposals for establishment of new EHT and UHV Substations, 33/11 KV Substations, additional Power Transformers (PTRs), enhancement of transformer capacities, new 33 KV feeders, switching stations and interlinking lines in line with future requirements.
He further instructed officials to prepare power infrastructure plans for emerging industrial corridors such as Madharam–Ghatkesar, Thimmapur–Kandukur, Eliminedu–Ibrahimpatnam and Dandumalkapur–Choutuppal, and to coordinate closely with the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) for timely execution.
The CMD emphasized the need to focus on implementation of dual-source power supply systems for data centers, IT parks, major industries and other critical consumers to ensure uninterrupted and high-quality power supply. He advised officials to formulate plans for providing alternate sources of supply to minimize outages in the future.
He also directed officials to identify heavily loaded 33 KV and 11 KV feeders and take up network strengthening measures wherever required. Proposals for installation of additional PTRs or capacity enhancement at substations where transformer loading exceeds 80 percent should be prepared. He further instructed officials to assess and submit proposals for additional 12.5 MVA Power Transformers at district headquarters and municipalities.
As part of the Underground Cable Project, the CMD instructed officials to prepare plans for clubbing closely located low-capacity Distribution Transformers (DTRs) in Metro Zone areas and replacing them with higher-capacity DTRs to improve the efficiency of the distribution network.
He also directed officials to examine the use of HTLS conductors on 33 KV lines outside Metro Zone wherever required, replace defective AB switches and expedite approval of pending estimates.
The CMD further instructed officials to identify and initiate acquisition of land required for future substations and to take special measures for protection of already identified lands.
He suggested undertaking activities such as updating records in government databases and Google Maps, providing fencing and name boards, and taking up plantation drives with the participation of local public representatives.
Stressing that a robust power infrastructure is essential for the State’s economic growth, industrial development and expansion of the digital economy, the CMD called upon all officials to work in coordination and implement forward-looking plans to strengthen the power system and meet future demand efficiently.
