50% improvement in damage to transformers in Kashmir

DTs replaced promptly due to buffer stock

Irfan Tramboo

Srinagar, Nov 29: With the onset of winter, increased power consumption has led to a rise in damage to Distribution Transformers (DTs), but there has been a 50 percent decrease in DTs this year even as authorities state that they ensure prompt replacements to minimize hassles.
Officials told ‘Excelsior’ that currently, an average of 50 DTs-which was 75 at this point of time last year-are reported daily across Kashmir, noting that these are promptly replaced using buffer stock to minimize inconvenience to the public.
“With winter, the excessive use of electricity, especially for heating, is causing increased loads, which in turn leads to transformer damage. People need to use electricity judiciously to prevent such occurrences,” a KPDCL official said.
Citing data from November 17, officials noted that 29 Distribution Transformers were reported damaged on a single day, of which 21 were restored the same day.
“On that day, we issued these numbers as an alert to indicate that the load is rising and to emphasize the need for responsible electricity usage to prevent damage to DTs,” they added.
In metered areas, officials reported intensifying night vigils to curb meter bypassing and unauthorized hooking on bare conductors.
As per officials, around 1,000 drives to detect violations are conducted daily across Kashmir, with violators’ actions posted on social media to discourage such practices, particularly during winter.
Officials also stressed that they monitor DT load levels closely. “If the load exceeds a certain threshold, the transformer is bound to be damaged.”
Before that happens, officials said, we take measures to reduce the load through frequent checks and inspections.
To mitigate anticipated DT damage during peak winter, KPDCL has maintained a buffer stock of 1,554 DTs this year, to support consumers across all 10 districts of Kashmir.
“In the event of snowfall, we have also stocked 2,030 steel poles, 600 km of conductor, and 128 barrels of transformer oil to facilitate immediate repair and restoration,” officials said.
They further emphasized KPDCL’s commitment to replacing damaged DTs within stipulated timelines.
However, they clarified that repeated DT damage caused by excessive overloading may lead to longer replacement timelines, considering the 24/7 workload of technical staff at the Central Workshop in Pampore, divisional workshops, and empanelled SSI units.