Finally taking cognizance of mismanagement by power franchisee Spanco in restoration of power supply in parts of south, central and east Nagpur after the rain and thunderstorm on May 17, the state government has ordered an enquiry against it. Power supply to many Spanco-serviced areas was restored 40 to 45 hours after the storm.
Addressing media after reviewing city's power situation, minister of state for energy Rajendra Mulak said that prima facie Spanco had failed to restore supply on time. "The company did not manage its men and materials properly. A disaster management mechanism was not in place. You cannot do a job properly if you do not have a proper system in place," he said. "Storms are common before monsoons. Any company has to plan for it," he added.
The minister said enquiry would be conducted by top officials of energy ministry. "We will take views of MSEDCL officials, consumers and public representatives into account," Mulak said. Asked about possible action against the franchisee, he said it would be based on enquiry report. "If we find the franchisee had grossly mismanaged the situation, we will terminate the contract. We want to provide best services to the consumers," he added.
On being pointed out that Spanco had zero experience in power distribution, Mulak said eligibility criteria for selection of franchisee would also be looked into by the committee. The issue was discussed in the last cabinet meeting. Employment minister Nitin Raut slammed Spanco and demanded that as it had proved incompetent to deal with a breakdown its contract should be terminated. Civil supplies minister Anil Deshmukh too demanded action against Spanco.
Anger against Spanco among consumers of parts of south and central Nagpur is rife as they either had to go without power for whole night or faced power cut of varying durations. Spanco had repaired its network in 98% of its area by May 19 evening when a Mahatransco transformer tripped plunging 80,000 consumers in darkness. This forced Spanco to start rotational load-shedding even at night. Most consumers, who do not understand the functioning of power system, are blaming Spanco for their misery. MLA Vikas Kumbhare had ransacked the city office of Spanco on Friday when parts of his constituency went without power for over 60 hours.
Addressing media after reviewing city's power situation, minister of state for energy Rajendra Mulak said that prima facie Spanco had failed to restore supply on time. "The company did not manage its men and materials properly. A disaster management mechanism was not in place. You cannot do a job properly if you do not have a proper system in place," he said. "Storms are common before monsoons. Any company has to plan for it," he added.
The minister said enquiry would be conducted by top officials of energy ministry. "We will take views of MSEDCL officials, consumers and public representatives into account," Mulak said. Asked about possible action against the franchisee, he said it would be based on enquiry report. "If we find the franchisee had grossly mismanaged the situation, we will terminate the contract. We want to provide best services to the consumers," he added.
On being pointed out that Spanco had zero experience in power distribution, Mulak said eligibility criteria for selection of franchisee would also be looked into by the committee. The issue was discussed in the last cabinet meeting. Employment minister Nitin Raut slammed Spanco and demanded that as it had proved incompetent to deal with a breakdown its contract should be terminated. Civil supplies minister Anil Deshmukh too demanded action against Spanco.
Anger against Spanco among consumers of parts of south and central Nagpur is rife as they either had to go without power for whole night or faced power cut of varying durations. Spanco had repaired its network in 98% of its area by May 19 evening when a Mahatransco transformer tripped plunging 80,000 consumers in darkness. This forced Spanco to start rotational load-shedding even at night. Most consumers, who do not understand the functioning of power system, are blaming Spanco for their misery. MLA Vikas Kumbhare had ransacked the city office of Spanco on Friday when parts of his constituency went without power for over 60 hours.
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