Patna: With summer storms increasingly knocking out power across Bihar, the State Energy Department is preparing to introduce a new contingency system aimed at keeping the lights on, even in extreme weather.
In recent weeks, widespread outages have affected multiple districts following heavy rain and high winds. In response, officials are now drawing up plans for a backup transmission infrastructure that would allow electricity to be rerouted instantly if one line fails.
The proposal, currently under discussion at the divisional headquarters level, includes the installation of parallel transmission lines. If the primary line is damaged due to adverse weather, the secondary line would take over supply without delay, reducing the need for prolonged blackouts.
“This approach will help us maintain uninterrupted power in city areas, especially in divisional and district headquarters,” an official from the energy department told. “Given the relatively smaller size of these urban zones, implementation here is more feasible.”
The plan comes amid mounting pressure on the state’s aging infrastructure, which has struggled to withstand seasonal storms. Power cuts not only impact households but also disrupt essential services and small businesses.
In a move to reduce storm-related damage, the electricity company is also preparing to procure advanced tree-cutting equipment. Currently, pre-monsoon maintenance involves trimming large trees near power lines, but cutting tall branches has proven difficult and time-consuming. The new machine would streamline this work, both before and after storms, and speed up the repair of damaged lines.
