As a part of strengthening the transmission and distribution infrastructure, the State Government on Thursday decided to set up at least 550 more 33x11 KV substations with an estimated investment of Rs 2, 000 crore to do away with low voltage problem.
Besides, the Government also decided to set up dedicated special feeder line at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore for ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply for the farm activities, said Energy Secretary P K Jena after a high level meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to review the progress and problem being faced by the Department in implementing various electrification programmes.
Jena said that it was decided to complete the installation of 550 additional 33/11 KV substations through the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation limited in a phased manner within next three years. At present 570 33/11 KV capacity substations are there in the State for transmission and distribution of electricity, he said.
Jena admitted that though the State has power to cater to the demand, the weak transmission and distribution network is unable to bear the load resulting in low voltage in many areas. However, with the commissioning of the new substations, the low voltage problem would be removed.
The Chief Minister had asked the District Collectors to take early steps to select suitable sites for the installation of the new 550 new higher capacity substations.
During the meeting, Jena said that the Chief Minister expressed concern over the growing death of elephants due to electrocution and asked the Energy Department to prepare a project for early implementation to strengthen the electricity transmission infrastructure system across the elephant corridors to save jumbos.