Power Utilities On High Alert As New Cyclone Threat Looms Over AP

Vijayanand reviewed the developing weather situation and the preparedness of power utilities through a teleconference on Sunday with APTRANSCO joint managing director G. Surya Sai Praveen Chand, DISCOM chairman and managing directors, and other senior officials.

Officials informed the special CS that the depression over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a deep depression and subsequently develop into a cyclonic storm. The India Meteorological Department has forecast that the system could intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by Monday and cross the coast near Bapatla on the morning of Tuesday.

Moderate to heavy rainfall, with isolated instances of very heavy rainfall, is expected in the south and central coastal districts on Monday. Strong winds and heavy rain could damage electricity infrastructure, particularly power poles, in the affected areas.

Vijayanand instructed the utilities to stock adequate quantities of essential materials, including electricity poles, conductors, and transformers, and strategically deploy sufficient manpower, vehicles, and machinery in vulnerable locations.

He stressed the need for seamless coordination among APTRANSCO, DISCOMs and the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC), besides round-the-clock monitoring of power supply. He underlined that the safety of field personnel must receive the highest priority, with all prescribed precautions strictly followed during restoration works in adverse weather conditions.

At the meeting, DISCOM CMDs briefed the special chief secretary about the restoration of electricity poles and power networks damaged by Cyclone Arnab. He directed officials to expedite pending restoration works, while completing preparations for tackling the fresh cyclone threat.