Chennai, July 14 (BPNS)

The maintenance plans of Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company (Tangedco) for the monsoon period have taken a hit following an acute shortage of staff and materials. The TN power utility was planning to conduct maintenance works before July 15 but the acute shortage of staff has it the work.

The Tangedco had planned to take up work relating to changing of electric poles that are damaged and clearing and touching works of trees across the state. According to sources in the power utility, 27000 damaged poles have to be replaced and touching works of around 80000 trees.

Another factor affecting the maintenance works of the Tangedco is the shortage of materials. The power utility has already allocated Rs 10 lakh for each division to conduct maintenance works under the concerned division offices.

It may be noted that the state power minister, V. Senthil Balaji had instructed Chief Engineers and superintending engineers to carry out the maintenance works. This was after several complaints were received from public and social organizations on the poor maintenance of Tangedco electric poles, generators, and even substations.

Sources in the Tangedco told IANS that there is a shortage of around 25000 staff in the power utility and this has taken a toll on many maintenances and routine projects of the organization that is providing power to the people of the state.

While Tangedco is slowly but steadily focusing more on Renewable power sources like wind and solar energy, the non-maintenance of power lines and substations will be affecting this proposed turnover from conventional thermal power to renewable sources of energy.