Transformers in basement? Expect a Bescom notice
Mr Shivakumar has directed Bescom to identify apartments and houses located in low-lying areas and having transformers in the basement.
Bengaluru: In an attempt to minimise power disruption at apartments during the monsoon and for the safety of the residents, Bescom has asked all the apartment associations’ to shift transformers from basement to the ground level.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Energy Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that apartments and houses in Bengaluru will be issued notices to shift the transformers away from basement to avoid disruptions during water logging.
Further, as per the high court order, transformers cannot be installed at the basement. They should be installed on specially designed elevated platforms at the ground level, he said.
Mr Shivakumar has directed Bescom to identify apartments and houses located in low-lying areas and having transformers in the basement.
“Bescom officials will identify such houses and notices will be issued to individual house owners and apartment associations requesting them to shift the transformers. They will be given six months to do so. I understand the inconvenience faced by people during rains due to power cuts. Lifts do not work and houses will also be deprived of power supply,” he said.
As per the statistics available with Bescom, about 50 buildings in HSR layout 6th stage and 40 buildings in Koramnagala 4th block get affected during every monsoon or heavy downpour as their transformers are located in the basement. Shifting it to an elevated level will save them from the problem, he explained.