Visakhapatnam: Heavy winds and rain caused significant damage to the power infrastructure of Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (EPDCL), with estimated losses of around Rs 2.15 crore. The discom restored power supply on a war footing across its jurisdiction covering East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema, Kakinada, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and Alluri Sitarama Raju districts by Friday evening.
Restoration Efforts
EPDCL Chairman and Managing Director Immadi Prudhvi Tej said personnel worked round the clock in rain-hit and wind-affected circles to restore supply. As per preliminary estimates, 243 KV feeders were restored, including 80 in East Godavari, 66 in West Godavari, 44 in Eluru, 23 in Konaseema, 5 in Kakinada, 2 in Vizianagaram, 10 in Visakhapatnam and 13 in ASR Paderu. Additionally, 1,230 of 11 KV feeders were restored, with district-wise breakdown: East Godavari 223, West Godavari 415, Eluru 462, Konaseema 67, Vizianagaram 24, Visakhapatnam 25 and ASR Paderu 14.
Infrastructure Damage
Fallen trees, branches and flex boards damaged infrastructure, affecting about 808 electric poles (East Godavari 369, West Godavari 157, Eluru 40, Konaseema 200, Kakinada 20, ASR Paderu 22), 176 distribution transformers (East Godavari 35, West Godavari 17, Konaseema 118, Kakinada 2, ASR Paderu 4) and 38.46 km of conductors (East Godavari 23.7, West Godavari 6.14, Eluru 2.31, Konaseema 2.31 and Kakinada 4).
Tej noted that restoration was expedited due to prior availability of poles, conductors, transformers, vehicles and machinery in the affected areas. The discom's proactive measures ensured minimal disruption to consumers.
