Ghaziabad Power Department in a Race Against Time as Summer Approaches
With summer temperatures set to rise, the power department in Ghaziabad is navigating a critical balancing act. Officials are simultaneously wrapping up infrastructure upgrades from the last financial year and gearing up for the impending seasonal surge in electricity consumption.
Pending Repairs and Tender Delays
An official from the department revealed that nearly 80% of the repair works planned for the previous year are still pending. However, with the tendering process now finalized, these upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of March. Chief engineer Pawan Aggarwal, overseeing zones 1 and 3, explained the delay. "The tendering processes were finalized only in November last year, which caused significant setbacks," he stated.
Budget Allocation and Ongoing Work
The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) sanctioned a substantial budget of Rs 278 crore for the financial year 2025-26. Aggarwal confirmed that almost 90% of this budget has already been utilized, with upgrade work actively underway. Key projects include:
- Maintenance of 33/11 kV substations
- Installation of protection systems on 33 kV and 11 kV power lines
- Replacement of dilapidated cables and transformers
- Capacity enhancement of low tension distribution transformers
- Procurement of new transformers
These improvements have been implemented in areas such as Vaishali, Indirapuram, Vasundhara, and Loni.
Simultaneous Efforts and Summer Preparations
The district has set a strict deadline of March 15 to finalize all preparations for the upcoming summer. "Both the completion of last year's works and the new summer preparations will continue simultaneously," Aggarwal emphasized. This dual approach aims to ensure a reliable power supply during peak demand periods.
Anticipated Surge in Power Demand
Last year, Ghaziabad's power demand peaked at 1800 MW. Officials project a significant increase this summer, with expectations of an additional 400 MW. Aggarwal attributes this surge to two primary factors: higher air conditioning loads due to rising temperatures and a 5% rise in industrial and commercial activities across the region.
The department's efforts are crucial to mitigating potential outages and supporting the growing energy needs of both residents and businesses as summer intensifies.
