KOCHI: The onset of monsoon, coupled with World Cup fever, is keeping KSEB employees on their toes. Because power disruptions mean feeling the wrath of football fanatics.“Heavy rainfall is causing unforeseen trouble. We cannot be ready for interruptions in such a case where heavy wind or falling trees disrupt power supply,” said Malini Mohanan, KSEB assistant engineer, Mattancherry.
Mohanan pointed out that several clubs and associations have set up big screens in different areas, and any disruption in power supply will make the fans furious.“During live match telecast, if the power is not back within 10 minutes, they will create problems at the office. Especially in Manjeri, instances of people attacking KSEB offices due to power supply disruptions have been reported,” said Bini Raj, president of Kerala Electricity Employees Confederation (INTUC), Malappuram.
Meanwhile, the World Cup has also had a positive effect for the KSEB, with many consumers queuing up to pay their dues to ensure that their connections are not cut.Sulu Gaffur, a resident in the city, is one such consumer. “The due date was Friday. But, I went to the KSEB office on Thursday morning itself to pay the bill so that there is uninterrupted power supply on Thursday,” she said.
She said she made the payment for her son, who is a die-hard football fan and had been waiting eagerly for the World Cup. “He wanted me to pay the bill today itself before any power interruption occurred,” she said.A KSEB officer in Fort Kochi said there were similar instances of fans paying their dues to avoid disruption, adding that fans in Fort Kochi have urged the KSEB to resolve voltage fluctuation issues immediately.
Clubs have set up big screens to catch the live action. “We have set up a big screen near our club in Manjeri to watch the matches with our friends. We are excited and it will be disheartening if the power supply is interrupted,” said Arjun P S, a football lover residing in Malappuram.
