Power Dept. directs Delhi discoms to ensure uninterrupted power supply

The Power Department of the Delhi Government has directed the three power distribution companies (discoms) to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across the city with immediate effect.

On the directions of Power Minister Satyendra Jain, the department has sent written directions to the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL), BSES Rajdhani and BSES Yamuna to make sure that power shortage is not used as an excuse to resort to load shedding.

The direction follows reports of load shedding by discoms already in different parts of the capital, particularly in slums and JJ clusters.

A serious view will be taken by the department in case the discoms resort to unreasonable excuses for load shedding.

"Discoms should ensure that consumer helpline numbers are active and these should be adequately reinforced to meet additional calls being received from consumers in the current scenario," the power department stated.

The discoms have also been directed that in case there are valid and justifiable reasons for load shedding, then 'it should be ensured that such load shedding at any level of shortage does not exceed one hour at a stretch and should be strictly on rotational basis in different areas and not only in slums and JJ clusters.'

The discoms have been directed to present contingency plans for rotational load shedding at different levels of shortage so that these plans can be effectively implemented on time.

The department has directed the discoms to widely advertise in advance through different forms of media in case they have to resort to load shedding and any failure to strictly comply with these directions will lead to serious consequences.