The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation’s (Tangedco) master plan of infrastructure development to meet the burgeoning power demand in the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) is now looking at creating more substations.
The five-year plan aims to put in place infrastructure works consisting of substations, lands to be acquired, underground cable network and the equipment needed to be installed in these substations.
In a recent review meeting held for the Central Circle, Chennai, Tangedco has proposed to construct around 20 substations to meet the increasing power demand in the city in the coming years. In a city where electricity demand is expected to reach 4,000 mega watt (MW) in the next few years the new substations of varying capacities are expected to ease power disruptions.
A senior official of Tangedco said under the 13th master plan 20 substations, including a 230 kilo volt (KV) of gas insulated substation and 110 KV substation, have been planned to constructed.
While the gas-insulated 230 KV substation is planned to be constructed at Thanikachalam Road, a 110-KV is planned to be commissioned at the B&C Mills located on Cooks Road near Perambur.
The electricity department has planned to construct 18 substations of 33-KV capacity to improve the distribution network in highly congested localities to free up the additional burden expected to arise in the coming years.
Help in distribution
A senior electricity official of Central circle said having as many 33-KV and 11-KV substations would help in uniform distribution of electricity loads. This would prevent overloading of substations and frequent breakdowns. As per the proposed master plan 33/11-KV plants would come up at CIT Nagar 4th Main Road, Corporation Colony, Pudupet, Kannamapet, Egmore, Nungambakkam, Wallajah Road, Fore Shore Estate and Vepery.
The electricity official said identifying land for substations has become a painful issue as vacant lands are not only difficult to find but are also pricey.
However, the electricity department has sought the help of the civic body to spare vacant lands wherever possible and is also requesting other government departments for constructing these substations.
The central circle covers the central business district and other important commercial areas including Anna Salai, Chintadripet, Esplanade, Egmore, Kilpauk, Pulianthope, Sowcarpet, Mylapore, Teynampet, T. Nagar, West Mambalam and Usman Road.