Phailin caused huge damage to power infrastructure: Ministry

Substantial damage to 33/11 kv distribution network in coastal districts is reported

Super cyclone Phailin, that has impacted large parts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, has caused substantial damage to local power transmission lines in the coastal districts, the power ministry said.

 

“Substantial damage to the 33/11 Kilovolt (KV) distribution network in the coastal districts is reported,” the ministry said in a statement adding it has directed all assistance to the state government for restoration efforts.

 

The 11 KV network, generally seen running parallel to roads, is the last link of the transmission system and connects local houses to regional transformers. The power demand was the worst affected in nine coastal and five interior districts in Odisha apart from three in Andhra.

 

Post the cyclone, power demand in Odisha dipped to as low as 600 Megawatt (Mw), 22% of the 2,800 Mw normally registered in the state, bringing the regional grid under stress. “Upto seven lines of 400 KV, 17 lines of 220 KV and 19 lines of 132 KV have been affected concerning the state grid,” the ministry said.

 

The cyclone also led to flooding of the railway line connecting power generator NTPC Ltd’s 3,000 Mw Talcher station in the state leading to disruption in coal transport.

 

The ministry, however, said it had carried out advance preparation to maintain grid security by controlling the load-generation balance. The special team in the ministry has been monitoring the Simhari and Vijaywada station in Andhra and four hydro power plants and Talcher station in Odisha.

 

A high-level team headed by an Additional Secretary in the ministry was coordinating the action, including preparation and dissemination of two-hourly reports, to the central and state officials concerned.