Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Sep 7: State energy minister, Sunil Kumar, wanted transformers which develop problems to be replaced with a new transformer within 24 hours. To make this possible, he suggested creation of transformer banks in all the sub-divisions of Mescom.

He was speaking after taking part in the Mescom progress review meeting held at the Mescom head office here on Monday September 6.

"I know that the concept of transformer bank is not in vogue in Karnataka. Currently, if a transformer develops problems, we have no other alternative for immediate action other than repairing the transformers. Therefore, five transformers of different capacities should be stored in the transformer banks," he stated.

He wanted the 'Belaku' scheme of providing power to all the houses in rural areas having ration cards to be implemented effectively. He also said that there is no need to obtain no objection letter from the local administrations for this purpose.

Sunil suggested to start electric recharge centers at different places as there will be an increase of electric vehicles shortly. He said initially these centres can be opened in district headquarters including Mangaluru.

The minister wanted to cut down transmission loss to 50 percent of the current level and take steps to make the department consumer friendly. He said that rooftop solar scheme should be given impetus and 1912 call centre should be made more proactive under the watch of higher officers.

Mescom director, Kishore Kumar, Mescom managing director, Prashanth Kumar Mishra, and director (technical), Padmavathi, were present.