Latest news with #ChandigarhPowerDistributionLimited
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh chief secretary orders quick fix to power outages
Chief secretary Rajeev Verma conducted a review meeting of Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) on Tuesday following rising public complaints about frequent unscheduled power cuts across the city. The meeting, attended by engineering secretary Prerna Puri, chief engineer CB Ojha and senior CPDL officials, focused on improving the power situation since CPDL took over distribution responsibilities on February 1 this year. During the meeting, Verma expressed serious concerns about the deteriorating power supply quality, particularly highlighting issues of unscheduled outages and delayed response times that have inconvenienced residents. CPDL officials presented a detailed status report outlining both ongoing corrective measures and future plans to stabilise the power supply. Officials informed that CPDL has initiated grid infrastructure strengthening through scheduled maintenance at all substations, especially crucial ahead of peak summer demand. To address immediate fault resolution, CPDL has outsourced specialised Fault Response Teams (FRTs) to ensure quicker complaint redressal. On the consumer service front, CPDL has launched a 24x7 call centre, a dedicated WhatsApp helpline, and now provides both electricity meters and power cables free of cost — items that consumers previously had to purchase themselves. The new system ensures meter installations within 72 hours of application. The presentation also revealed significant challenges, including aging infrastructure with frequent equipment failures identified during post-privatisation surveys and acute staff shortages currently being managed through outsourced manpower. Looking ahead, CPDL is developing a robust cybersecurity framework and an 'islanding network' to maintain uninterrupted power supply to critical services like hospitals during grid failures. The CPDL is also actively implementing the PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana to promote solar energy adoption. The chief secretary was also apprised of the ongoing rollout of the PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG-MBY), along with future projects aimed at expanding and modernising Chandigarh's power delivery network. The chief secretary has directed officials to ensure that power disruption is minimalised and response time be improved.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UT chief secy takes up power cuts with CPDL
Chandigarh: The performance of Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited since the transition of distribution responsibilities on Feb 1 was reviewed Tuesday by chief secretary Rajeev Verma. Verma raised concerns over the current power supply quality due to unscheduled outages and delayed responses across Chandigarh. He was subsequently briefed on CPDL's efforts, which include grid infrastructure strengthening and maintenance at all grid substations through scheduled shutdowns. The chief secretary was also informed about the customer service initiatives, featuring a newly launched 24×7 call centre and a dedicated WhatsApp helpline for consumers. In addition, CPDL enhanced its services by installing new electricity meters within 72 hours. It also supplies both the meter and the power cable — items consumers previously had to purchase themselves, Verma was told. The detailed presentation by CPDL management also highlighted several pressing challenges, including the ageing infrastructure, with frequent equipment failures due to outdated systems identified during a post-privatisation survey. It was informed that proactive summer preparedness, involving targeted maintenance at grid substations to pre-empt heat-driven demand peaks, was being done to ensure minimum inconvenience to the residents of Chandigarh. To strengthen its power distribution infrastructure, CPDL has outsourced fault response teams to ensure that consumer complaints and technical faults are addressed promptly.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Illegal structures near power supply lines in Chd will invite MC action
Chandigarh: Chandigarh residents who have constructed or extended buildings, balconies, boundary walls, or other structures close to overhead power lines or encroached on poles/lines may face consequences. A Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited official said, "Unauthorised constructions that pose significant safety risks and violate electrical safety regulations may lead to penal action." According to regulations 60 and 61 of the Central Electricity Authority (Measures Relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2010, along with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 (Section 53 and 68(5) and 161), there are mandated minimum clearances/distances that must be maintained between electrical lines/installations and nearby structures. These regulations aim to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. The specified clearances (distance) are crucial to prevent electrical hazards and ensure the safety of residents and property. A CPDL official stated that any loss of life or property resulting from non-compliance with these regulations will hold the violators accountable. Penal action may be initiated against those who fail to adhere to the prescribed safety standards. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think Undo Building owners are advised to remove any unauthorised structures that violate these clearance requirements. Failure to comply may result in the removal of such structures by municipal authorities or local bodies, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant rules and regulations, officials added. GO BY THE RULE BOOK Minimum vertical & horizontal clearances between electrical lines passing above a building, structure, or balcony 1. Low voltage lines (up to 415 volts): - Minimum vertical clearance: 2.5 mts - Minimum horizontal clearance: 1.2 mts 2. High-voltage lines (above 415 volts and up to 11 kV): - Minimum vertical clearance: 3.7 mts - Minimum horizontal clearance: 1.2 mts 3. High-voltage lines (above 11kV and up to 33kV): - Minimum vertical clearance: 3.7 mts - Minimum horizontal clearance: 2.0 mts 4. Extra high-voltage lines (above 33 kV): - Minimum vertical clearance: 3.7 mts (plus 0.30 mts for every additional 33kV or part thereof) - Minimum horizontal clearance: 2.0 mts (plus 0.30 mts for every additional 33 kV or part thereof) BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY - Stay away from all electrical installations like electricity poles, transformers, streetlights, pillar boxes, etc., especially if they are waterlogged. - Don't fly kites near electrical installations as it could be fatal - Don't park your vehicles or keep flammable materials near electricity meters - Install an earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) to avoid shocks and mishaps
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: Tampered power meter? Come clean by June 9 to avoid legal action
The Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) has launched a Voluntary Declaration Scheme (VDS), offering consumers a final opportunity to admit to tampered electricity meters without facing legal action. The scheme is specifically designed for consumers who have tampered with their electricity meters and now wish to regularise their connections. In accordance with the 2018 regulations of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), CPDL is offering consumers a one-time chance to admit their wrongdoing and rectify it. According to CPDL, no complaint or police case will be registered in connection with meter tampering as long as the disclosure is made before June 9. Moreover, the penalty — a 12-month assessment fee — will be halved to a six-month fee. CPDL has clarified that this is a one-time opportunity, and after this period, strict action will be taken under regular rules if meter tampering is found. Therefore, consumers are urged to take advantage of this scheme within the stipulated time and regularise their electricity connections. New meter's cost to be borne by the consumer Under this scheme, consumers will be required to get a new meter installed and the cost of the new meter will have to be borne by them. The electricity meter and service cable will be provided and installed by CPDL, eliminating unnecessary delays, and making the entire process seamless and convenient. Also, to streamline the process, CPDL has stated that the new meters will be installed within 72 hours of payment. To avail of this scheme, consumers can visit the CPDL website at to learn about the process or contact their respective SDO (sub-divisional officer) offices. For more information, consumers can contact the helpline number 9240216666 or email at connectcpdl@
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Time of India
CPDL officers authorised to inspect house premises for electricity theft
1 2 3 Chandigarh: The Chandigarh administration has authorised Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) to inspect and check the premises of consumers to detect theft or misuse of electricity, with immediate effect. The officer authorised by the company may enter, inspect, break open, and search any place where he has reason to believe that electricity is being used unauthorisedly. The officer may search, seize, and remove all devices, instruments, wires, and any other facilitators or articles used for the unauthorised use of electricity. He may examine or seize any books of account or documents which, in his opinion, are useful or relevant to any proceedings in respect of the offence under subsection (1) of Section 135 of the Act. He shall allow the person from whose custody such books of account or documents are seized to make copies of the same. As per UT notification, the occupant of the place of search or any person on his behalf shall remain present during the search. A list of all things seized shall be prepared and delivered to such occupant or person, who shall sign the list. It is provided that no inspection, search, and seizure of any domestic places or domestic premises shall be carried out between sunset and sunrise except in the presence of an adult male member occupying such premises. The provisions of BNSS (Act 46 of 2023) relating to search and seizure shall apply, as far as may be, to searches and seizures carried out by the authorised officer or official.
