Transmission and distribution losses at TNEB up as demand at all time high
Posted on: 24/May/2016 9:34:02 AM
The transmission and distribution losses by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) have gone up over the last four years. The information came to light as a reply to an RTI (Right to Information) query. Unfortunately, these losses come at a time when there is an all time high demand for power in the State, at 15000 MW.
In its response to the RTI, TNEB said, (We have) lost 17,538.83 million units (MU) in 2011-12 and 20,966.74MU in 2014-15. The transmission losses were mainly on account of leaks and inefficient transmission and distribution of power. The board lost a total of 79,037.76MU of power in transmission since 2011.
According to an official from the TNEB, TNEB`s debt by the 2015-16 fiscal was around Rs 80,000 crore. Transmission losses are minimal when compared to total power generated. For instance, TNEB`s energy generation has increased from 75,818MU in 2011-12 to 94,128 MU in 2014-15 so there has definitely been a rise in transmission losses compared to the previous years, which is not unusual. The board has added more substations to reduce transmission losses. We are also strengthening distribution lines and replacement of defective meters. To reduce the transmission losses, we have commissioned 252 substations across the state since 2011.
Say the officials, Space constraints do not allow them to set up additional substations in the city. A 230KV substation, for instance, requires a 10-acre site, an 110KV substation, a 5-acre site, and a 33 KV substation, a 2-acre site. National average of transmission and distribution losses in the country is 26%. Developed countries have reduced losses to less than 10 percent. TNEB has not done much to reduce the transmission and distribution losses.
