Uninterrupted power supply on alternative days, says DKS

In what can be a reprieve to farmers having irrigation pumpsets (IP sets) under the jurisdiction of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (Cesc) Limited, it has been decided to provide uninterrupted power supply on alternative days.

Energy Minister D K Shivakumar told media persons here on Wednesday that pumpsets will be provided continuous power till the situation on power front eases. The officials have been told to prepare a plan of action in this regard, while power supply will be stopped to the IP sets that have failed to legalise under ‘akrama sakrama’, he said.

Besides, eight villages --- four each in Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts where villagers owe arrears en masse, towards cess --- will be dealt with an iron hand. The existing line will be disconnected and new meters will be installed. If the villagers continue to be adamant by not paying the bills, the power supply will be disconnected. The decision on pending bills will be taken later.

The minister said local elected representatives have been categorically instructed not to interfere when the disconnection drive will be launched amid police protection.

LED bulbs
Reiterating that the Energy Department will be replacing the existing bulbs at government offices and households with LED bulbs, the minister claimed it will help save 800 mw to 1,000 mw power. In all, six crore bulbs will be needed, starting with government and domestic sector, later extended to the private sector. The urban local bodies that have the onus of maintaining street lights will also be directed to incorporate the change by switching over to LED bulbs.

To improve basic amenities, transformer banks and repair centres have been opened in all taluks, the minister said.

Earlier, the minister presided over a meeting of elected representatives from five districts — Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Kodagu and Hassan — under the jurisdiction of Cesc. Barring Mandya, elected representatives of other districts attended the meeting and aired their grievances.

The elected representatives from Mandya skipped the meeting, as a separate meeting was conducted in the recent past to hear their woes.