Mescom to address power problems in Udupi region

Mescom to address power problems in Udupi region

Mangalore Today News Network

Nov 28, 2016: Responding to the demands of the members of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Udupi district, at a meeting held for Mescom officials and the local farmers, Sharath Chandra Pal, Mescom executive engineer said that Udupi district requires 180 MW of power a day and the division requires 135 MW of power. The availability of power is only known on a day-to-day basis from the main grid. He said that using LED bulbs would help reduce consumption of power and is not harmful to the eyes as perceived.


The Exec engineer also said that Udupi is blessed with ample power supply as there is very little load-shedding in a day. In some cases, however, load-shedding would be a need as electricity cannot be stored. The wires in many areas are old and changed phase by phase. The most problematic are replaced on priority, he said.  The payment percentage in the division has come down to 70 to 80% as against the earlier 90%. The disconnection rate is high, the officer added.

Responding to another grievance, the officer said that low voltage problem in some areas like Bantakallu and Heroor has been taken into consideration. The line estimation is done to set right the problems. He added that there are over three lakh consumers and many times there would be paper notification to inform the disruption in power supply.

Elaborating on the renewable power sources, Pal said that nearly 3000 MW of power is generated through windmills in the state. However, one cannot totally depend on windmills as the required wind speed is six kilometres a second. He assured to forward the demand of the farmers for 24-hours service stations and the facilities of debit card swiping to the higher authorities. The farmers also demanded for the meeting to be held regularly.