Power fluctuations, outages disrupt exam prep in Trichy

Trichy: With public examinations underway, frequent voltage fluctuations and unscheduled power cuts in parts of the city have disrupted students' preparations, drawing sharp reactions from residents.In Mannarpuram, TVS Tollgate and nearby areas, residents reported voltage fluctuations on Sunday night from around 9.30pm to 11pm, followed by outages lasting 10 to 45 minutes. With Class 10 exams scheduled on Monday, students preparing late into the night were affected. "Voltage fluctuations are a daily issue, but on Sunday there was a 40-minute outage. My son, who had an exam the next day, could not study properly and had to continue till 1.30am after power was restored. Should he not go fresh for the exam? Complaints also go unanswered," said V Jai, a resident of Mannarpuram. Tangedco sources attributed the outage to a jumper cut at the Mannarpuram substation. While periodic shutdowns are usually scheduled for maintenance, officials said such works are typically avoided during public examinations. Residents said fluctuations have become more frequent this month, especially during peak hours between 7pm and 11pm, as temperatures rise and power demand increases. According to Tangedco, demand has surged to 550 MW from 430 MW at the start of the month. A senior official said 183 transformers, out of 215 identified last year, have been installed to handle the increased load. "Complaints are being addressed round the clock at the earliest," the official said.