‘Power cuts will be minimal during rainy season’

HERALD: What is the power situation in Goa; is the department prepared for the monsoons?

MADKAIKAR: We had already started pre-monsoon work in April-May and are geared up for a scenario wherein the rains  are expected to arrive in the first week of June. Likewise,  we had worked on the  schedule. Some of the major works include trimming of tree branches, replacement of conductors, servicing of plugs and transformers and replacing the oil. Going by the asking rate and the work done, we can assure that power cuts will be minimal this monsoon season.

HERALD: With slight pre-monsoon showers, lightning and thunder storms, there was a major power cut in Goa. Why did it happen?

MADKAIKAR: The problem which occurred some days back due to the thunderstroms, heavy rain and lightning was due to the fact that department was not prepared. We must also mention here that  there was a major issue with the Kolhapur grid which was beyond our control and later at Thivim we faced a crisis situation. The department was also not prepared for such a spell (of rain) but still the people should appreciate the fact that power was restored within a short span. The power cut which happened few days back was mainly because of the Kolhapur grid failure. 

HERALD: What is the ratio of demand vis-a-vis supply in Goa?

MADKAIKAR: Total requirement per day in Goa is 450 mega watts but in the summers and pre-monsoon, it even goes up to 600 mega watts. We have the resources to purchase extra power. We have made provisions to get that extra bit of power when required. There is no power shortage. We only lack infrastructure. We are in a planning stage to transfer the main line if other lines fail. For example, we have two power supply lines, one from Karnataka and the other from Maharashtra. However, at any given time, if one fails, we should be in the position to connect the other so that consumers get uninterrupted power supply.

HERALD: How much of the underground cabling work has been completed in Goa?

MADKAIKAR:  Not even 10 per cent. We are doing it in a phased manner. Underground cabling is very important in the forest areas where 33KV lines would be laid. Once this is done, even in heavy rains, there would be no problem. The process is very costly. We will need some more time to do it in the entire state.

HERALD: How are the department’s plans to maintain  uninterrupted power supply?

MADKAIKAR: We are planning to promote solar power and we are in the process of forming a policy for the solar generation power. We are in initial stages and once it is finalised, we shall invite bids. The project will be on a  PPP basis. We also have to replace the conductors on the lines coming from Kolhapur.