CESC gears up to meet extra power demand during Pujas

Kolkata: The CESC has taken a number of steps to meet the additional demand of power under its jurisdiction during Puja days.

It has received 4,150 applications from the puja organizers till September 25. It is expecting some more applications.

It has assured that all the resources are being exploited to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Work is done in close association with the police, fire brigade, various civic bodies and the highly enthusiastic and creative Puja organisers situated on the both sides of the Bhagirathi.

Over the past two years, there has been an encouraging rise in new Puja connections and last year CESC had given connections to 4325 pandals. Apart from those applying for special temporary connections, there has been a growing number of pujas, including "Flatbarir Pujos", as also several pujas which have historical significance. CESC figures cover only the special connections.

Avijit Ghosh, Vice-President, Distribution Services, CESC said: "Before analysing the new connections applied for, we have carefully reviewed the anticipated maximum power demand in our city during the six puja days starting from Panchami on October 3. The city's splendid illuminations attract millions of admiring visitors from all over the world. We estimate that the maximum demand in CESC area to reach 2100 MW. There will be no problem in supplying this power from our own stations at Budge Budge, Haldia and Southern supplemented by purchase from the Grid."

CESC records show that total power demand of Puja pandals last year was 51.4 MW, which is likely to increase this year with some more applications.

Last year, there were 4325 Puja pandal applications in CESC area.

"We are happy to confirm that there is enough stock of coal at Budge Budge (750 MW), Haldia (600 MW) and Southern (135 MW). Preventive maintenance of CESC's distribution network has also been carried out. A nodal officer has been earmarked for each Puja committee," Ghosh said.

According to the CESC, during the puja days, 200 emergency mobile vans will patrol day and night. In addition to that 100 repair teams will be deployed at strategic locations to meet exigencies, while a number of stand-by generators will be kept in various locations. Special control room manned by senior officers will be opened.

The CESC has also introduced special helpline numbers — 9831079666 and 9831083700.

There will be special arrangements for immediate restoration of supply in the event of any supply interruption to Puja pandals or adjoining areas.