The peak demand for power in CESC areas on Monday was so far the highest this season. The figures for Tuesday were awaited till late on Tuesday.
On Monday, the peak demand was 2204MW.
Last year’s highest peak demand was 2606MW, onJune 16.
The maximum temperature on Monday was 38.7 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal.
Last summer, many Kolkatans had complained of inconvenience because of power outages when the heat soared.
This year, CESC officials promised a better season with their recently upgraded system that, they said, would be faster in detecting problem areas.
CESC managing director Debasish Banerjee said on Tuesday that with the introduction of an upgraded system, the company was expecting to reduce the response time to power outages.
“With this new system in place, we are expecting faster detection of the problem points. The new system will collect data from the field, process and show it in an operator-friendly manner. Quicker detection will result in quicker response to a problem,” Banerjee said.
“The smart power management system enables pinpointing the location of network disturbances for restoration of power from alternate sources and crew mobilisation, thereby ensuring quicker reinstatement of supply,” Banerjee added.
The new system will also use historical data simulation to locate areas from where maximum complaints are reported. The data can be used for corrective actions in the future, a CESC official said.
Banerjee added that the primary reason for power outages last year was new air conditioners in areas where meters were not equipped to handle higher loads.
In a house, an air conditioner consumes almost 70 per cent of the entire sanctioned load.
“This is our earnest request to all our consumers. Please inform us if you have purchased an additional AC. The sanctioned load has to be increased accordingly if necessary. The forms can be filled up online,” Banerjee said.
Other senior officials of the CESC said last year it was found that the number of applications for new air conditioners that were submitted with the CESC for increasing the sanctioned load was less.
According to CESC officials, the number of applications for new ACs in the past month was 15,683. The number of applications during the same time frame last year was 11,050.