Chandigarh: The floods in Punjab have dealt a massive blow to Powercom. The devastating floods have caused massive destruction in many areas of the state. The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has suffered heavy damage to its infrastructure due to this flood. The biggest loss has been suffered by the UBDC (Upper Beas Diversion Channel) Hydel Power Project, located in Pathankot, which has incurred a loss of Rs 62.5 crore.
According to the preliminary assessment report prepared by the PSPCL headquarters in Patiala, the total estimated loss has reached Rs 102.58 crore. The floods were caused by abnormal rains and the overflowing of rivers like the Sutlej and Beas, which inundated agricultural land, residential areas, and public infrastructure.
Huge damage to transformers and the power supply network
The report said that a total of 2,322 distribution transformers were damaged, causing a loss of about Rs 23.22 crore. These transformers play a vital role in leveling high-voltage electricity for domestic and industrial use. The damage has led to a power outage in thousands of homes and businesses.
7,114 electricity poles washed away in floods
7,114 electricity poles were washed away or damaged in the floods, causing losses of Rs 3.56 crore. 864 km of conductors and power supply wires were submerged or destroyed, causing losses of Rs 4.32 crore.
PSPCL infrastructure was also damaged
PSPCL office buildings, furniture, and control room equipment also suffered losses of Rs 2.61 crore. Critical control room equipment such as VCBs (vacuum circuit breakers), CR panels, batteries, battery chargers, relays, and cable boxes, was badly affected with losses of Rs 46 lakh.
Civil infrastructure at grid substations also suffered heavy damage. Broken boundary walls and structural damage to control room buildings caused losses of about Rs 2.55 crore, affecting the safety and infrastructure of these vital power hubs.