The Department of Power is maintaining power supply in the state with various constraints and limitations. Although it is the endeavor of the department to give its best service to the esteemed consumers, many a times it is not possible to do so due to various constraints and limitations which are beyond the control of the department.
Due to the ever increasing load demand, the department had been adding its infrastructures and assets continuously to meet the requirement. However, since 1994 due to ban in appointments, the department is unable to reinforce its manpower particularly the field staff, to operate and maintain these assets. In fact, the strength of the field staff had been decreasing since then (due to retirements and deaths) and it has reached to such an extent that it is almost impossible to maintain the system. Due to this reason, there are many villages and stations without staff or even if provided, one or two staff covering unmanageable number of stations/areas. Complaints are unable to be attended on time resulting in prolonged power interruptions and criticisms from the public. The staffs work under lot of pressure to maintain power supply and often other normal maintenance works go unattended.
Another area where the department finds itself helpless is with regard to timely repair and replacement of defective equipments and machineries particularly the transformers. Due to fund limitations the department is unable to maintain stock of even vital spares and backup to meet the requirements in times of failures and damages. It is therefore always a fire fighting situation for the department whenever failures occur with the equipment/machineries. On many occasions, the department had no option but to beg or borrow to restore power supply at a much later time than it should have taken.
Theft of power is another matter of concern and the department is tackling it with all seriousness. It is a social menace which threatens healthy functioning of Power Department by burdening it with huge energy and revenue losses and crippling the department in extending efficient service to the bonafide consumers. Irrespective of whether the theft is by way of direct hooking, meter tampering or unauthorized extension, it affects the system stability and quality of power of the honest consumers. Technically, the methods of stealing power contribute largely to the system disturbances- like frequent interruptions, low voltage, prolonged system breakdowns, damage of machineries and lines etc. To curb the menace, the Department conducts surprise raids in all important towns of the state involving district administration and Police. Theft of power is a concern of all the citizens and the Public in general is requested to kindly co-operate with the department.
Due to strong land ownership system in the state, problems associated with it also cause blockades and delays in infrastructural developments. Power demand and its development being dynamic, department is frequently faced with the difficulties of getting right of ways while executing the works. It is the sincere appeal of the department to all concerned to extend co-operation while developmental works are carried out for the benefit of the public.
Er. D.A.Shishak,
Chief Engineer Department of Power
Nagaland, Kohima
