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New Delhi 13 December 2010
Press Release
Keeping consumer safety in mind, BSES set to replace over 700 ‘Oil Based’ Transformers
One-of-the-largest initiatives of its kind by a discom in the country
Initiative costing over Rs 100 crore, likely to be completed over the next one-year
Oil-based’ transformers to be replaced in select residential & commercial buildings/complexes
Other advantages of ‘Dry’ Transformers (i) Moisture-proof, (ii) Lower maintenance costs, (iii) Reduction in AT & C losses (iv) Lower noise levels
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Keeping the safety of its consumers in mind, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) have embarked on a major program to replace around 700 (BRPL 403, BYPL 335) existing ‘Oil-based’ transformers with ‘Dry’ Transformers in several residential and commercial buildings/complexes in their licensed areas. The program, costing around Rs 112 crore (BRPL Rs 59 Crore, BYPL Rs 53 Crore) is expected to be completed over the next one-year.
These ‘Oil-based’ transformers are being replaced with their ‘Dry’ counterparts in several residential and commercial buildings, keeping the safety, environmental concerns and fire hazards in mind. All the existing ‘Oil-based’ transformers installed in the basement, within the premises and under the stilts in Cooperative Group Housing Societies (CGHS) and commercial buildings/complexes will be replaced.
According to a BSES spokesperson, “Some of the residential and commercial buildings/complexes where ‘Oil-based’ transformers will be replaced include residential and commercial buildings/complexes in Kalkaji, I P Extension, Bikaji Cama Place, Vasundhara Enclave, Som Vihar, Pushp Vihar, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Mayur Vihar I and II.”
The ‘Dry” Transformers have many advantages – both for the consumers and the discoms - over their ‘Oil-based’ counterparts. Chief among them is eliminating fire hazards. As the name suggests, ‘Oil-based’ transformers contain ‘mineral’ oils, which are combustible in nature and any leakage can lead be a potential fire-hazard. Moreover, burning of the Oil also results in release of ‘toxic’ gasses, which in a closed environment can be harmful. ‘Dry’ transformers give freedom on both these counts.
Other benefits of ‘Dry’ Transformers over ‘Oil-based’ transformers include: (i) Moisture proof, (ii) Lower noise level vis-à-vis their ‘Oil-based’ counterparts, (iii) Minimum maintenance – hence lower operating costs, (iv) Longer Transformer life and (v) Reduction in Technical losses, since they can be installed closer to the ‘point of consumption’.
According to Mr Gopal Saxena, CEO, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) “This once-again shows our commitment to our consumers. We have received the go-ahead from the Delhi Electric Regulatory Commission (DERC) for the initiative under the Capital Expenditure program. As a result, there will be no cost-burden on individual societies and commercial complexes / buildings where these transformers are deployed. Given their substantial advantages, these next-generation ‘Dry’ Transformers, though costlier by around 25% over their ‘Oil-based’ counterparts, are much-more cost effective in the longer run”
According to Mr Ramesh Narayanan, CEO, BSES Yamuna Power Limited, (BYPL), “This initiative by BSES discoms is one of the largest of its kind by a discom anywhere in the country. Moreover, the entire cost of the project will be borne by BSES discoms. Keeping the convenience of our customers in mind, we will schedule the replacement in close coordination with CGHS & Commercial building officials”
BRPL and BYPL, Delhi’s premier power distribution companies are committed to ensuring quality and reliable electricity supply to all their consumers.