Power problems plague Srinivaspur town

Bescom has hands full as electric cables hang precariously low

While the residents here complain that they have been deprived of uninterrupted power supply, the Bescom has its woe too. Most of the electric cables drawn in the taluk are very old. They have not been replaced in the recent time.

Since the cables are either snapped or have been burnt, the company has not been able to ensure proper power supply. What more the distance between from one pole to another is too wide. The electric cables that dangle much below the normal height invites danger, complained the residents here.

Recently, one person died as a power cable snapped on him. “Even after such a serious incident, the company seem to be ignorant,” they rued.  Every month at least 50 transformers are either burnt or reduced to defunct state in the five sub-stations. The work on replacing these transformers has not been satisfactory, they remarked.

Bescom had its own vehicle to transport such defunct transformers earlier. But now in the absence of any such facility, the consumers have to bear the transport charges. Besides, lack of staff is also the reason behind delay in repair works.

The people in Panamasakanahalli, which is nearer to the town, suffer from low voltage. “We prefer to turn off the light and use candle. Children find it difficult to read in this voltage, it is so bad,” residents complained.

There are many instances where upset people have laid siege to the Bescom office in the town. On some occasion, angry residents have burnt down computers too. “But the authorities concerned have not taken any measure,” the residents pointed out.

Power theft

The company alone cannot be blamed for the irregular power supply said, Bescom Assistant Executive Engineer Shridhar.

Power theft is also one of the reasons that disturb the power supply and the department has initaited measure to crack down on power thefts, he added.

He further said that the company has identified 40 such places where the electric cables are posing danger and they will be redrawn.

“The company is supplying power according to the norms and the factors that disturb the regular power supply have been addressed,” he said.  The low voltage issue will be addressed soon, Shridhar added.