Login Register
Follow Us

Plan afoot to avert grid collapse: Govt

Says fears over 9 pm blackout ‘misplaced’

Show comments

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 4

Amid concerns that the move to turn off lights at 9 pm on Sunday may lead to a major grid imbalance, the Ministry of Power today said the system was “robust and stable” and that adequate arrangements and protocols were in place to handle the variation in demand.


Also read:

Don’t switch off all lights: PSPCL ahead of blackout

PM’s call to light candles draws flak


Do’s & don’ts

  • Turn off only household lights from 9 pm to 9.09 pm
  • No need to turn off appliances such as AC, fan, TV, fridge
  • Streetlights, hospitals exempted

The ministry in a statement said there was no requirement to switch off streetlights as also appliances, including computer, television, fans, refrigerators and air-conditioners.

It said apprehensions that the 9-minute voluntary blackout on Sunday evening might cause instability in the grid and fluctuation in voltage might harm electrical appliances were “misplaced”.

Among those raising the red flag were former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh, who tweeted: “As somebody who has been associated with the power sector for almost three decades, including as minister, the call to go dark for 9 min at 9 pm on April 5 can have deep impact on the grid and its stability. I sincerely hope this is being properly managed.”


State utilities ready

New Delhi: The state load dispatch centres of UP and Tamil Nadu have written to state utilities to keep all reactors in service while keeping capacitor banks inoperational. They have been asked to start load shedding from 8 pm to 9 pm on Sunday in a staggered manner. PTI

Show comments
Show comments

Trending News

Also In This Section


Top News



Most Read In 24 Hours