Assam government will make installation of Earth-leakage circuit breaker mandatory

GUWAHATI: Assam government will make it mandatory to install safety device of Earth-leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) in electricity connection over two kilowatt.

Assam has faced several cases of electrocution death in recent times. The state power department will make installation of ELCB mandatory to prevent high earth impedance to prevent shock.

Since January this year 21 people have lost their lives in electrocution, this has caused public outcry.

Assam Power Minister Pallab Lochan Das said this device will detect leakage and power will trip once this device is installed. "Power department will soon carryout electrical audit."

Assam’s power transmission and distribution (T&D) losses is roughly around 23 to 24 percent. Das said, "With an investment of Rs 149 crore, we are re-conducting 1200km electricity connection. Government has given Rs 300 crore targeted subsidy to department."

Assam has electricity consumer base of 38 lakh which is expected to double by 2019. Das said every month power department suffers loss of Rs 50 crore. "This loss is due to non-payment of bill, power theft and other losses."

Assam’s peak hour power consumption is 1300 MW. Das added, “We have made it mandatory to incorporate safety features in all the projects. We will soon take up with chief minister that before digging earth or roads near the electricity posts, one has to obtain no objection certificate from electricity department.”