Heavy rain, cyclones: Kerala power board incurs Rs 51.4 Cr loss

Thiruvananthapuram: In Kerala, cyclones and rain caused huge damage and loss for the Kerala State Electricity Board, which amounted to Rs 51.4 crore. It was in the Malabar region that the power infrastructure sustained severe damage. According to preliminary data, there was a complete disruption of power supply under 5961 distribution transformers in the entire state. More than 11 lakh customers had power outages.

Kannur, Srikandapuram, Kasaragod, Palakkad, Shornur, Kottarakkara, Kozhikode, Vadakara electrical circles and Adoor division of Pathanamthitta electrical circle have been severely affected by the wind. According to the current figures, 1694 high tension posts and 10,836 low-tension posts have collapsed. High tension power lines snapped at 1117 places and low tension lines at 19,571 places due to falling trees and tree branches.

According to the available data, the loss in the distribution sector is estimated to be around Rs 51.4 crore. The cyclone that occurred in the last few days mainly caused damage to the electrical network in the areas under the Kannur Electrical Circle under the section offices of Chalode, Mayyil, Chakkarakkal, Pappinisseri, Eachur, Kolayad, Kolachery and Kadirur. More than five lakh consumers were affected by 2688 distribution transformers in the region.

Under the Kannur Electrical Circle, the power outage of over one lakh consumers has been resolved. Only 17,000 more left. These days, there is a situation where strong winds occur every evening, causing damage to the entire power supply sector. It is estimated that it will take three days to fully restore power in many places.

Despite extensive damage, the work to restore connectivity is going on at a fast pace. High-tension feeders have mostly been restored. It is also hoped that individual grievances can be fully resolved within a day.