Transformer installed close to house in violation of norms

Kuldip Bhatia

Ludhiana, October 10

Installation of a 200-KVA transformer close to a residential house has put Davinder Kumar, a resident of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar Colony, in a difficult situation.

The transformer has been installed in violation of the provisions made under the Indian Electricity Act. It has been installed by the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) on the Pakhowal Road.

Even though it has been proved in an inspection by the Chief Electrical Inspector (CEI), Punjab, that the said transformer had not been installed in conformity with the rules, the Punjab State Power Corporation (PSPCL) wants the consumer to bear the charges for getting it shifted.

When the consumer took up the matter with the concerned sub-divisional office of the PSPCL under the Model Town division, pointing out that the transformer has been installed close to his house and ought to be shifted elsewhere, the power utility (in its letter no 1,906 dated September 5, 2018) intimated him that the shifting of the transformer would be carried out at his own expense, for which he should deposit a fee of Rs 500 for preparation of an estimate for the work.

Shocked by the arrogant attitude of the PSPCL authorities, the consumer reported the matter to the State Electricity Inspectorate seeking redressal of his problem.

The office of the CEI, Punjab, carried out an inspection of the site and submitted its report to the Assistant Executive Engineer, Unit No-1, Model Town Division, of the PSPCL.

In the report (letter no 004739 dated September 25, 2018, with a copy to the consumer), the CEI maintained that the transformer had been installed on four poles near the house of the complainant, while on the secondary side an LT fuse unit was installed with the help of bobbin insulators at another pole which stood close to the house.

“The height of the naked fuse unit from the ground is inadequate and it is also too close to the house of the complainant which could cause an accident at any time,” said the report, while directing the PSPCL officials to shift the LT switch to the other side of the transformer – away from the house of the complainant and submit a compliance report.

In another letter to the office of the CEI (on October 9, 2018), the consumer, Davinder Kumar, again brought to his notice that the PSPCL was not giving due attention to the directions issued vide the inspection report and no remedial action had been taken till now.

The PSPCL officials of Unit No 1 of the Model Town division said the deficiencies in installation of the fuse unit, too close to the house of the complainant, had been rectified and the transformer and other equipment on this site were as per the provisions of the Indian Electricity Act.

“If the consumer still wants the transformer to be shifted, he will have to bear the expenses as per the policy of the PSPCL,” they added.