Mangaluru: Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (Mescom) has intensified its monsoon preparedness measures by deploying 489 personnel across its jurisdiction to ensure uninterrupted power supply and respond swiftly to electricity-related emergencies during the rainy season. The utility has also arranged 62 vehicles and established a dedicated complaint response team to tackle challenges that typically arise during heavy rains and strong winds.
The extensive preparedness plan covers the four districts under Mescom’s jurisdiction — Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru — where power disruptions caused by fallen trees, damaged poles and snapped lines are common during the monsoon months.
Emergency task forces deployed across 14 divisions
As part of its contingency measures, Mescom has formed task forces across 14 divisions with a total strength of 489 personnel. These teams have been assigned to undertake emergency maintenance work and restore electricity supply in the event of outages caused by adverse weather conditions.
In addition to manpower deployment, the company has arranged 62 vehicles to facilitate rapid movement of personnel and equipment to affected locations. A specialised team comprising 23 personnel has also been constituted to handle telephone calls and consumer complaints round the clock.
The move is aimed at ensuring quicker response times and minimising inconvenience to consumers during the monsoon season, which often brings challenges to the power distribution network.
Dakshina Kannada receives significant deployment
Mescom has deployed substantial resources in Dakshina Kannada district, considering the region’s vulnerability to heavy rainfall and weather-related disruptions.
A 12-member task force supported by six vehicles has been stationed at Attavar. Kavoor has been allocated a 36-member team with eight vehicles, while Puttur has received a 48-member task force along with eight vehicles. Bantwal has been assigned a 50-member task force supported by seven vehicles.
These teams will remain on standby to address power interruptions, damaged infrastructure and emergency situations arising from severe weather conditions.
Dedicated teams for Udupi, Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru
In Udupi district, Mescom has deployed a 55-member task force with five vehicles at Udupi, a 24-member team with four vehicles at Karkala and a 48-member task force at Kundapur.
Shivamogga district has been provided with a 33-member task force and one vehicle at Shivamogga, a 24-member team with three vehicles at Shikaripura, a 20-member team with two vehicles at Bhadravati and a 34-member task force supported by six vehicles at Sagar.
Meanwhile, Chikkamagaluru district has received a 40-member task force with four vehicles at Chikkamagaluru, a 41-member team with three vehicles at Koppa and a 34-member task force with seven vehicles at Kadur.
The deployment is expected to strengthen the company’s ability to tackle outages and infrastructure damage across urban and rural areas during periods of intense rainfall.
Preventive maintenance work already under way
Mescom Managing Director Jayakumar said the company has already commenced preventive measures ahead of the monsoon. Tree trimming operations are being carried out in locations where branches pose a threat to power lines and electrical infrastructure.
He stated that repair works on electric poles and transmission lines identified as hazardous are also progressing across several areas. Such preventive actions are intended to reduce the likelihood of disruptions and ensure public safety during storms and heavy rains.
According to the Managing Director, all field officers have been instructed to implement precautionary measures effectively within their respective jurisdictions. The officers have already begun executing the necessary pre-monsoon preparedness activities.
Consumers urged to report hazardous conditions
Mescom has appealed to consumers to actively assist in maintaining electrical safety by reporting damaged poles, sagging wires and other potentially dangerous situations.
The company has advised the public to immediately inform officials if they observe electric poles or power lines in unsafe condition. Early reporting can help prevent accidents and enable timely repairs before weather conditions worsen.
Consumers can register electricity-related complaints through Mescom’s 24×7 centralised service centre by dialling the helpline number 1912. For emergencies and hazardous situations, the company has also provided dedicated contact numbers 82778 83388 and 0824-2950953.
With the southwest monsoon expected to intensify in the coming weeks, Mescom’s large-scale deployment and preventive maintenance efforts are aimed at ensuring reliable power supply while enhancing public safety across the region.