Mescom Chairman K. Harish Kumar revealed that local bodies owe a staggering ₹305.84 crore for electricity supply. The company is also battling heavy losses due to recent monsoon damage.

  • Gram Panchayats owe ₹298.19 crore, while Urban Local Bodies owe ₹7 crore.
  • Monsoon damage caused a loss of ₹25.77 crore to Mescom.
  • New underground lines and covered conductors are being installed for safety.
  • 5,450 new transformers approved to replace faulty units.

In a significant financial revelation, K. Harish Kumar, Chairman of Mescom, announced that Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have accumulated a massive debt of ₹305.84 crore for electricity supplied. Speaking to the press in Mangaluru, the former MLC highlighted that this unpaid amount primarily covers electricity used for streetlights and essential water supply installations.

The breakdown of the debt shows that Gram Panchayats are responsible for the lion's share, owing ₹298.19 crore, whereas Urban Local Bodies owe a remaining ₹7 crore. This massive deficit places a significant strain on the utility provider's ability to maintain and expand the power grid.

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Impact of Natural Calamities

Beyond the debt, Mescom is also grappling with the aftermath of severe weather conditions. Between April 1 and August 26 of this year, heavy winds and torrential rains caused a direct loss of ₹25.77 crore to the company. The damage was extensive, with 17,770 electric poles and nearly 496.37 km of power lines being destroyed. The districts of Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, and Shivamogga reported the highest levels of destruction.

The failure of local governance bodies to settle electricity dues creates a systemic risk to the regional energy infrastructure.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Safety Measures

To mitigate future damage and improve safety, Mescom has approved several large-scale projects. A key initiative includes replacing existing overhead power lines in elephant corridors and forest areas with covered conductors. This project will be implemented in Puttur, Shivamogga, Sagar, Chikkamagaluru, Koppa, and Kundapur to prevent wildlife fatalities.

BozokMedia analysis shows that the transition to underground cabling is a strategic move to ensure urban resilience. For instance, a 33 kV underground power supply line is set to be laid between Kavoor and Urwa Market to provide uninterrupted power to Mangaluru city. Additionally, overhead lines in Ullal, Mannagudda, and Kavoor are being replaced with underground systems to minimize weather-related outages.

Modernization and Technical Expansion

The company is also focusing on technical modernization. Approval has been granted for the purchase of 5,450 electric transformers to replace non-functional ones. To ensure the safety of linemen, 705 non-contact voltage detectors will be procured. Furthermore, the company plans to open 14 dedicated shops over the next five years to facilitate the sale of smart meters to consumers.

Did You Know?: Underground power lines are significantly more resistant to wind and rain compared to traditional overhead lines, making them ideal for coastal regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which districts were most affected by the weather-related damage?
Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, and Shivamogga districts suffered the most significant losses.

2. Why is Mescom installing covered conductors in forest areas?
To protect wildlife, specifically elephants, from electrocution by replacing bare wires with covered ones.