MSETCL Substation Fire Hits 3.1 Lakh Consumers In Pune

A technical fault at the Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited’s (MSETCL) 220-kV Extra High Voltage (EHV) substation in Chinchwad triggered a fire on Sunday afternoon, disrupting power supply to around 3.1 lakh consumers in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Bhosari and parts of Pune.

The fire broke out around 12.25pm after an explosion in a 22-kV current transformer (CT) and breaker unit at the substation. Firefighters brought the blaze under control shortly after.

The fault affected several 22-kV high-voltage feeders supplying the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), leading to outages across several parts of Pimpri-Chinchwad. Officials said no casualties or injuries were reported.

According to MSEDCL officials, around 2.6 lakh consumers in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Bhosari were affected by the disruption. Another 50,000 consumers in Shivajinagar, Aundh, Ganeshkhind, Senapati Bapat Road, Shivajinagar Gaothan, Model Colony and Balgandharva also faced a temporary outage.

MSEDCL restored supply to most affected areas around 3pm by using alternative power routes. However, restoration took longer in Nigdi, Yamunanagar, Bijlinagar, Ravet, Mamurdi, Dehu Road, Chinchwad, Tathawade and Wakad. Around 1.25 lakh consumers in these areas continued to face disruption as officials worked to restore supply.

The disruption also affected the Rahatani and Ganeshkhind 132-kV lines connected to the Chinchwad EHV substation, resulting in power outages in parts of Shivajinagar, Aundh, Ganeshkhind, Senapati Bapat Road, Model Colony and nearby areas. Supply to these areas was restored around 1.50pm.

The power supply to the Pune Metro from the Ganeshkhind EHV substation was also briefly affected. MSETCL officials were deployed to isolate the damaged section of the substation and restore the remaining system.

The incident affected an estimated 1,500 industrial units in the area. At Talegaon, MSEDCL restored residential power supply. Power supply to the Ambethan substation was restored around 4.20pm.

The incident highlights the need for regular maintenance and modernization of power infrastructure to prevent such disruptions. The affected areas are expected to have their power supply fully restored soon.

In conclusion, the fire at the MSETCL substation in Chinchwad caused significant disruptions to power supply in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, affecting around 3.1 lakh consumers. While MSEDCL has restored supply to most areas, some consumers continue to face disruptions. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining and upgrading power infrastructure to ensure reliable electricity supply to consumers.