Patna: The Bihar government has launched a statewide preventive maintenance programme under which around 3.36 lakh distribution transformers will undergo regular technical inspection, testing and maintenance to improve the reliability and safety of electricity supply.
The initiative was reviewed at a high-level meeting held at Vidyut Bhawan in Patna on Friday, chaired by Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar alias Bulo Mandal. Senior officials of the Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL) and its subsidiary companies attended the meeting.
Focus On Reliable Power Supply
The Energy Minister said providing safe, uninterrupted and quality electricity to every consumer remains the state government’s top priority. He directed officials to ensure timely inspection and preventive maintenance of distribution transformers, power lines and other electrical infrastructure, including in remote areas.
He also instructed power utilities to analyse complaints received through the 1912 toll-free helpline, Sahyog camps and online platforms to improve consumer services through a data-driven approach.
Technology-Driven Monitoring
Energy Secretary and BSPHCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ajay Yadav said inspections and maintenance of electrical assets would be made more accountable through a technology-enabled monitoring system.
A dedicated mobile application will be used to track inspection and maintenance work online, while a structured inspection mechanism will be implemented across all levels of the power distribution network.
Monthly Inspection Targets
Under the new framework, Junior Electrical Engineers (JEEs) will inspect 33% of Distribution Substations (DSS) in their jurisdiction every month. Of these, 10% will be re-inspected by Assistant Electrical Engineers (AEEs) and 5% by Executive Engineers to strengthen supervision and accountability.
All 33/11 kV substations will also undergo monthly inspections by AEEs, with a proportion of inspections carried out by Executive Engineers and Superintending Engineers.
Preventive Maintenance To Reduce Breakdowns
Officials were directed to ensure immediate restoration of power supply in the event of line failures in accordance with standard operating procedures. Regular preventive maintenance will be carried out on substations, distribution transformers and 33 kV, 11 kV and low-tension lines, while loose or sagging conductors will be repaired promptly to minimise the risk of short circuits and fire hazards.
Officials of Bihar State Power Transmission Company Limited (BSPTCL), South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) and Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) said regular inspections, digital monitoring and preventive maintenance would help reduce breakdowns, improve equipment performance and enhance the overall reliability of Bihar’s power distribution system.
