Itanagar, May 5:
Several districts across Arunachal Pradesh are expected to experience power disruptions starting May 7, following significant damage to a key transmission line caused by strong winds during a localized cyclonic event on April 25, 2026.
According to official sources, two transmission towers, identified as Towers A and D at Location No. 30, on the 132 kV line owned by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited have sustained major structural damage. The affected line lies between the Hoj Power House of the Panyor Hydroelectric Plant and the Ziro 132/33 kV Sub-Station near Posa village in Keyi Panyor district.
Authorities have deemed immediate repair work essential to prevent further structural failure and avoid potential cascading damage to nearby towers. In response, the North Eastern Regional Power Committee has approved a continuous shutdown of the transmission line for 8 to 10 days, beginning May 7, to facilitate restoration.
During this shutdown period, grid power supply is likely to be affected in multiple districts, including Keyi Panyor, Kra Dadi, Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri, Kamle, Upper Subansiri, Lepa Rada, Lower Siang, West Siang, Siang, and East Siang. Residents in these areas may face load shedding and low-voltage conditions.
To mitigate the impact, authorities will attempt to maintain basic electricity supply through alternative transmission routes via the Kathalguri–Namsai and Chapakua–Roing lines. However, due to extended transmission distances and the radial configuration of the network, consistent voltage levels may not be sustained across all substations.
As a result, selective load shedding on certain 33 kV feeders may be necessary. In more severe cases, temporary shutdown of outgoing feeders from upstream 132/33 kV substations at Yachuli, Ziro, Daporijo, Basar, Aalo, and Pasighat may also be required.
Napi Modi, Head of the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) and Superintending Engineer (E), SO & PSC Circle, Department of Power, Chimpu, stated that these measures are essential to ensure system stability during the repair period.
The Arunachal Pradesh State Load Despatch Centre, on behalf of the Department of Power, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, has appealed to residents and electricity consumers in the affected districts to cooperate and bear with the temporary inconvenience caused by the unavoidable disruption resulting from the natural calamity.
