Bangalore: Deepavali is the festival of lights. So the lights wont go up during the festival.
That’s the assurance of the government which has given its move to suspend power cuts its own rationalization: good rainfall has meant less demand from the agricultural sector.
Bescom Managing Director Pankaj Kumar Pandey said, “so, we can assure consumers that there will be no power cuts this Deepavali . If any extra demand arises, we will use hydel and thermal resources to meet it. During Deepavali, demand increases by four-five per cent, besides the normal consumption. But since it’s a long holiday, most commercial and industrial units will be shut”..
The normal average consumption in Bangalore City is 80 million units per day. Last year, during pre and post-Deepavali time, consumption increased by four million units (120-150 mega watt). But there is also a rise in the number of consumers. So, the consumption units are likely to be higher this year.
Pandey reasoned that consumers travelled to their native places. Most commercial establishments have a long weekend, most industries will be closed, hence the lighting load demand would be met.
“We are prepared to handle the festive rush and ensure the festival of lights does not get spoilt for people. Maintenance works have also been done. Recently, the peak load Bescom experienced in 24 hours was around 4,000 mega watts. So, we can assure the consumers that there would not be power cuts during the five festive days”, he said
