POWER STRUGGLE

As the mercury level rises by the day, Tangedco employees and AC technicians work through the heat to help bring some respite

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TAMIL NADU has been setting records in power demand once every few days this summer.

Despite the jump in consumption, Tangedco has managed to avoid major disruptions. This has been made possible by the power utility's workforce which is short-staffed yet kept on its toes round the clock to ensure residents aren't inconvenienced by the searing heat.

Though legislation demand that 8-hour duty should be ensured, some foremen claimed their work hours get extended by 50%. S Ezhilan (55), a foreman in Chengalpattu, told TNIE, "Employees like me work 10 to 12 hours every day due to inadequate staff strength. Nevertheless, we are ready to do it because we have a responsibility, and uninterrupted power supply has to be ensured." Explaining challenges in summer, Ezhilan said working on power lines, transformers, and electricity poles gets tougher. "Sometimes, we spend sleepless nights owing to heavy workload. If the power utility fills vacancies, burden on the staff can be reduced by 50%," he said.