NTPC, Power Grid staff to look after power stations UPPCL Contingency Plan After Engineers’ Strike Enters Third Day

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Lucknow: The face-off between the UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) management and engineers over wage revision as per the 6th Pay Commission entered its third day on Sunday with no sign of any let up in the situation.
Even as the demand for power dipped by 800 Mw, thanks to faults reported from various towns in the state, the top brass of UPPCL mulled over preparing a ‘‘contingency plan’’ to ward off the power crisis which threatens to grip the state. Well-placed sources in UPPCL said that they were in touch with the engineers of Power Grid Corporation Limited (PGCL) and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) requesting them to take charge of thermal power stations in case of a crisis.
Meanwhile, the state government has also asked district magistrate and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) to take stock of the situation and post cops at the substations. The chief engineers of all distribution companies have been asked to contact the contractors for providing adequate man power.
‘‘Power crisis cannot be ruled out as it is very cold and there has been a demand of 6,500 Mw till three days back. But now it has dropped because of unattended faults,’’ said a senior UPPCL official who feared attempt of ‘‘sabotage’’ by the agitating employee.
Convener of Rajya Vidyut Sanyukt Morcha, Shailendra Dubey said that they have not stopped any one from working. ‘‘Every one is free to work or stage a work boycott. But why would anyone work,’’ he said. He set aside the apprehensions of anyone stopping engineers from going on duty and attending faults. A senior UPPCL official said that they are treating the work boycott as a ‘‘strike’’.
On the other hand, the UP Power Officers’ Association said that they would remain on duty. Association president, KB Ram said that they have established a 24-hour control room where people can register their complaints. The numbers are: 0522-2204469 and 9453742450