Mahatransco Rolls Out 12-Point Action Plan for El Nino Power Preparedness
The Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (Mahatransco) has launched a comprehensive 12-point statewide preparedness initiative to ensure uninterrupted power supply and maintain grid stability in response to potential El Niño weather conditions. Acting on directives issued by the Union Ministry of Power, the transmission utility rolled out the action plan across all operational zones from its Mumbai headquarters to handle anticipated prolonged heat waves and rising electricity demand.
Under the leadership of Chairman and Managing Director Vikram Kumar, Director of Operations Satish Chavan instructed all field formations to remain on heightened alert. The initiative prioritizes preventive and condition-based maintenance of the state’s Extra High Voltage (EHV) network. Under this framework, substations, transformers, transmission lines, reactors, circuit breakers, and protection systems are undergoing rigorous inspections to prevent outages.
To minimize disruptions during peak power demand, Mahatransco ordered field teams to limit planned shutdowns to the bare minimum. Utility workers are conducting thermovision scanning and hotspot detection across switchyards, transmission lines, busbars, and transformers to identify and repair equipment abnormalities before failures occur.
All transmission zones have been mandated to stockpile adequate emergency reserves and critical spare parts, including spare transformers, insulators, conductors, tower components, and Emergency Restoration System (ERS) equipment. Field crews are intensifying patrolling along vulnerable corridors, with a focus on clearing vegetation that poses a contact risk to power lines.
Mahatransco is also evaluating the operational status of voltage management systems, such as shunt reactors, capacitor banks, and STATCOMs, while deploying emergency maintenance teams, vehicles, and tools for round-the-clock readiness.
In addition, the power utility is strengthening coordination with the Maharashtra State Load Despatch Centre, Regional Load Despatch Centres, electricity generating stations, and distribution companies. Disaster management frameworks and cybersecurity protocols for SCADA, EMS, and communication systems are being reinforced simultaneously.
Chief Engineers across all zones have been tasked with personally supervising the implementation of the preparedness plan and submitting weekly progress reports. Field offices must immediately report any major equipment failures or grid disturbances alongside details of restoration efforts.
