MSEDCL starts pre-monsoon upkeep, power cuts expected

Nashik: Residents are set to face planned power outages as the state power distribution utility has launched its annual maintenance and repair drive across the Nashik circle — including Nashik city and semi-urban towns — to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the upcoming rainy season.The initiative has deployed engineers, "janmitras" and outsourced personnel to strengthen the regional electrical infrastructure across Nashik Zone, comprising Nashik, Malegaon and Ahilyanagar circles, against rains-related challenges.According to a senior Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) officer, "The maintenance operations include a wide array of technical tasks such as trimming tree branches encroaching on power lines, replacing cracked pins and insulators, checking transformer oil levels and arresting oil leaks. Crews are also replacing damaged lightning arresters, converting temporary underground cable joints into permanent ones and repairing worn-out wires and jumpers."The officer said all mechanical components within substations are undergoing thorough inspections, with real-time rectification of identified defects. Customers are also being issued advance notifications via SMS regarding planned outages in their areas. However, residents criticised the steps being taken by MSEDCL. "No matter what they do now, after the first showers, the power supply is likely to go out for long hours. This raises the question about what they (MSEDCL staff) were doing during the maintenance period," said Ramesh Sonawane, a resident of Nashik.The officer said the infrastructure is located outdoors and remains susceptible to severe heat, storms, lightning strikes and falling trees even after maintenance, and added that proactive measures expedite the restoration process if a malfunction occurrs later.