The power distribution companies BSES and Tata Power-DDL have prepaped detailed plans to deal with the monsoon season through preventive maintenance of equipment to avoid chances of electricity-related mishaps and outages that are common during the rains.

A senior BSES official said that the monsoon action plan has an integrated  and proactive approach which is not only aimed at ensuring consumers' or installations' safety but also is aimed at minimising the down time of power supply arising out of exigencies during monsoon.

In an advisory issued by the BSES, it said that people should stay away from electrical installation such as poles and transformers and stop children from playing near them. "The main switch should be turned off in case of water logging, and earth leakage circuit breaker should be installed. Consumers should keep a 'tester' at their homes to check leakage in case of wet power switches, he said adding people should also prune twigs and greenery close to electricity lines.

"The discoms have also taken steps to prevent outages due to rain related causes like water logging, uprooted trees and broken branches. Heights of the foundation of transformers in low-lying areas have been increased to safe levels and transformers have also been properly fenced to prevent people from going near them, a BSES spokesperson said. He said people should avoid hooking wires to electricity lines during rainy season as it could result in fatalities or grievous injuries.

BSES helpline numbers 19123, 399 99 707 ( South & West Delhi) and 19122, 399 99 808 (East & Central Delhi) areas have been set up for consumers to report broken cables, poles or exposed wiring, he pointed out. In case of an emergency, apart from the 24 x 7 call centre numbers, consumers can reach BSES through its emergency numbers (BRPL 1800 10 39707, BYPL 41999808) or through its Mobile app, he added.

Meanwhile, Tata Power-DDL advised people not to touch electrical appliances with wet hands, check your electrical appliances like cooler bodies, washing machines, water pump etc for any leakage current, ensure the meter box is adequately protected from water, use ISI-marked electrical wires and equipment, and install earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) to prevent shocks.

In a drive to check leakage at all installations, Tata Power-DDL has inspected over 14,000 installations including poles, fencings, pillar boxes and street light poles with rectifications in the leakages done. "In addition to these electric installations adjacent to various school premises are also being inspected to ensure safety of children during monsoon. The company is conducting trimming of trees to avoid falling on electrical installations, poles and wires," a Tata Power-DDL official said.

"The company is also checking leakage of electricity at installations by other agencies and consumers; nearly 400 ATMs, more than 2000 poles of municipal corporations and 320 park lights have been checked," he said, adding that it has also conducted a safety inspection which includes local bazaars or weekly markets.

Sanjay Banga, CEO of Tata Power-DDL said "Public Safety has always been a top priority at Tata Power-DDL. We have been proactive in taking measures aimed at avoiding any untoward electricity related accidents," 

"We are regularly conducting safety inspections of our electric installations at prominent public places like schools, malls, hotels and ATMs to check and fix any electricity leakage, issuing notices for illegal encroachments near power lines and organising public awareness sessions on the importance of proper wiring and precautions to be taken," Banga added.

Tata Power-DDL is also issuing notices to consumers having illegal encroachments (residential and commercial properties) near power lines. A total of 42510 numbers of notices for unauthorized construction have been issued, it said. 

Illegal extension of buildings and balconies near the overhead power lines with much lower than the prescribed critical distances mentioned in statutory guidelines can make the construction hazardous, leading to loss of life due to electrocution or flash burns.

In case of sparking in meter rooms or light poles in areas under Tata Power-DDL, people can call 24x7 Sampark Kendra at 19124 for any assistance.