Major transformer failure delays power restoration in Dimapur, leaving several localities without electricity through the night
DIMAPUR — Residents in several parts of Dimapur are likely to remain without electricity through the night as restoration work at the 33/11 kV, 10 MVA Supermarket sub-station is expected to take longer than anticipated following a major technical fault.
Power supply was disrupted on the morning of July 11 after the transformer at the Supermarket sub-station developed a major technical fault, affecting Half Nagarjan, Netaji colony, Police colony, Bank colony, Ura Villa, the Circuit House area and the Supermarket (Naga Shopping Arcade) area.
The Power department had earlier stated that efforts were underway to restore supply at the earliest and appealed to consumers to bear with the inconvenience and cooperate during the restoration process.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Dimapur Electrical Sub-Division (II), L Akumtoshi, said the department does not have a spare 10 MVA transformer in stock. The only available spare at the Central Store is a 5 MVA transformer, making a direct replacement impossible.
To restore power, the department has decided to remove a 10 MVA transformer from another sub-station, replace it there with the available 5 MVA transformer, and then transport the 10 MVA unit to the Supermarket sub-station.
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However, official said that the operation has been delayed because of the congested location of the donor sub-station, making it difficult to dismantle and remove the transformer.
"The work began around 5 am, but the transformer is extremely large, weighing about 22 tonnes. We are using two Hydra cranes to slowly move it to the roadside before it can be transported," he said.
He explained that once the transformer is removed, the 5 MVA unit must first be installed at the donor sub-station. The dismantled 10 MVA transformer will then be transported to the Supermarket sub-station, where it will be assembled and commissioned.
"The entire process is lengthy and technically challenging. Given the scale of the work and the logistical constraints, power supply cannot be restored tonight," he said.
The engineer added that the transformer failure was not the result of overloading but was likely caused by ageing equipment. According to him, prolonged exposure to high electrical current can gradually deteriorate a transformer's internal components over time, eventually resulting in technical failure.
He assured consumers that the department is working round the clock to restore power supply as early as possible.
Many residents were unaware of the severity of the situation and expected electricity to be restored by late Saturday night, leaving them unprepared with adequate water for the following day.
On Sunday morning, residents in some areas were unable to purchase water cans as shops remained closed. By evening, however, many had begun making alternative arrangements to meet their water needs.
A similar situation was observed with the procurement of generators to operate water pumps. Groups of residents were seen gathering at homes with wells or hand pumps to collect water.