AP power utilities on high alert: Spl CS

In view of ‘Michaung’ cyclone that may affect coastal districts of the State, Sspecial Chief Secretary of the Energy department, K Vijayanand, is continuously monitoring the preparedness for facing the cyclone and has given instructions to the Power utilities to be fully ready and make arrangements in their respective districts.
K Vijayanand reviewed through teleconference on Saturday with Chairman and Managing Directors(CMDs) of DISCOMs I Prudhvi Tej, J Padma Janardhana Reddy, and K Santosha Rao on preparedness for Michaung Cyclone and asked the officials to be on high alert to counter any kind of eventuality and to take up restoration works if there will be any damage to power infrastructure due to the Cyclone. He directed DISCOM CMDs that foolproof arrangements have to be in place to restore power supply to the areas which may get affected within a short period.
The Special Chief Secretary directed DISCOMs to make ready the necessary material and transport to the cyclone-prone districts. He was also told to procure small generators to be used for emergencies for stand-by purposes and make available the required number of de-watering pumps also for emergency purposes. He also asked to ensure proper switching of feeders if necessary if any heavy gale and downpours to avoid electrocution-related accidents.
“DISCOMs should ensure that all the required Men and materials are kept ready to restore the power supply to normalcy in case of any damage. All the Engineers and Staff working in cyclone-prone districts to be on high alert because of the cyclone”, the special chief secretary said.
Because of the Michaung cyclonic warning on 4th and 5th December 2023, he directed DISCOMs that the control Rooms be established at cyclone Districts and Nodal officers for each District should be nominated and assigned with the duties and coordinate with the executing Officers, Staff in the field. He also asked DISCOMs that Required manpower and required Generators, JCBs, Cranes, Power Saws, and pole drilling machines should be kept available to restore 11 KV Poles, Lines, and DTRs if affected in the mandals of cyclone-prone areas.
“During the cyclone period, everyone should keenly watch the events and restore power. The staff should be present 24×7 and should not avail of any holidays during this cyclone period. The Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Energy Minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy are very keen on public safety, security, and power supply on a war footing basis during the Michaung cyclone”, said Special Chief Secretary Energy.