The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited will soon start work on 34 new substations across Chennai and the districts of Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram at a cost of ₹3,214 crore.
Chennai’s power demand crossed 5,000 MW for the first time this year. Residents have reported frequent local outages caused by network constraints, ageing infrastructure and overloading during peak hours.
The White Paper presented by Minister C.T.R. Nirmalkumar highlighted delays in commissioning new 230-kV, 110-kV and 33-kV substations as a key reason for the disruptions. TNPDCL and TANTRANSCO will build 13 substations in the North Circle and 21 in the South Circle within the current financial year.
Proposed sites include Ennore, Perambur Barracks Road, Medavakkam, Ambattur and locations along the GST Road. A resident of Perumbakkam noted that improved transmission is needed to support the new Metro line.