HYDERABAD: The escalating summer heat in Telangana has resulted in a significant rise in transformer failures across the state. As temperatures soar, the demand for electricity surges, leading to transformer overheating and, in some cases, explosions.
Recently, a transformer explosion in Hyderabad’s Bahadurpura area ignited nearby garbage, triggering panic among residents. A similar incident occurred on the Malakpet-Saidabad road, where a transformer blast near the Officer’s Mess function hall caused a fire, allegedly due to overload.
Telangana has approximately one million power transformers, with 635,000 managed by the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL) and around 350,000 under the Telangana State Northern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSNPDCL). During the 2023–24 period, TSSPDCL recorded 25,996 transformer failures, while TSNPDCL reported approximately 29,000, bringing the total failures to over 55,000 statewide.
In comparison, Telangana’s transformer failure rate remains lower than some neighboring states. Andhra Pradesh records a 22% failure rate, whereas Telangana reports 11%. Specifically, TSSPDCL has a 5% failure rate, while TSNPDCL reports 7%.
Officials attribute these failures to the extreme heat, which drives increased use of fans and air conditioners, significantly raising electricity consumption. This heightened demand results in transformer overheating, insulation breakdowns, winding damages, and short circuits. Oil leaks further exacerbate the problem, impairing cooling efficiency and increasing the risk of explosions.
To address these challenges, authorities recommend regular maintenance, monitoring of oil levels, and implementing enhanced cooling systems for transformers. Residents are advised to use electricity wisely during peak heat hours to prevent overloads and ensure an uninterrupted power supply.
