Mumbai: BEST Undertaking Grapples with Aging Cable Network Amid Rising Temperatures
Mumbai, 4th April 2024: In Mumbai, the historical legacy of electricity infrastructure, represented by 80-year-old cables laid during the British era in south Mumbai, has become a pressing concern for the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking. As temperatures rise in the city, the ageing cables have led to recurrent power disruptions, as witnessed in parts of south Mumbai like Bhuleshwar, where power cuts occurred twice this week alone due to faults in cables buried 2-4 meters beneath the surface.
Responding swiftly to the latest incident, BEST officials deployed repair teams to address the issue, ensuring minimal disruption. However, these isolated incidents are indicative of a larger challenge that BEST faces. The organization has been grappling with a series of power failures since the beginning of the week, prompting the formulation of a comprehensive five-year plan requiring a substantial investment of ₹6,000 crore to modernize the decades-old power supply network.
This ambitious plan encompasses a wide-ranging overhaul, including the replacement and restructuring of the 1,000-km-long underground cable network, with a focus on upgrading segments dating back 70-80 years. Serving over 10.5 lakh consumers across the island city, BEST acknowledges the imperative to upgrade its infrastructure to meet the escalating demand for electricity. The increased load on ageing cable networks, compounded by infrastructure development activities, underscores the urgency of these modernization efforts.
In tandem with BEST’s initiatives, Tata Power, catering to 7.50 lakh consumers, is proactively addressing the anticipated surge in summer peak power demand, expected to reach 1030 Mw. By leveraging advanced technologies such as Auto Transfer Schemes (ATS) and Feeder Remote Terminal Units (FRTU), Tata Power aims to enhance distribution services and expedite power restoration in case of disruptions. Additionally, the company employs thermal scanning to monitor the health of transformers, feeder pillars, and cables, ensuring the resilience of its network.
Overall, while the challenges posed by ageing infrastructure are evident, the concerted efforts of both BEST and Tata Power reflect a commitment to modernization and resilience in meeting the evolving energy needs of Mumbai’s populace. Through strategic investments and technological advancements, the city’s electricity supply stands poised for a robust and reliable future.
