Tangedco ready to face high demand

The record power consumption was registered on the same day when Electricity Minister P Thangamani reviewed the department’s projects and took stock of the prevailing power situation in the state ahead of summer. The previous record was in April 29, 2016 when the power consumption was 345 million units. 

The officials attributed the rise in consumption to the use of air conditioners during the day time. Besides, students stay home due to summer vacation and are glued to their cellphones for a long time, which consumes more power while charging them. 

The IPL matches too attract a large viewership and hence more power is consumed during this time, the officials said. Participation of the city franchise Chennai Super Kings in the league after a gap of two years has added to people’s interest in the matches, they added. From television sets to other electrical equipment remain turned on till midnight as the viewers enjoy the game. 

Despite the surging power consumption, officials ruled out possibilities of power outages since Tangedco could meet the demand even if it rises higher. However, power cuts may occur due to repair works. Such power cuts would not last long. 

Tangedco engineers were instructed to ensure that power disruption do not last for a long time. Section engineers too were asked to stay till midnight to carry out repair works if needed. However, the workers had complained of lack of adequate equipment to restore power supply and said the department should address this problem.