CEA advisory: how to use electricity safely this summer amid El Niño heat
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued an advisory urging consumers and power distribution companies (DISCOMs) to use electricity safely and efficiently in view of the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of above-normal temperatures associated with El Niño conditions.
According to the advisory, higher temperatures are expected to increase the use of air conditioners, cooling appliances and other electrical loads, raising the risk of overheating, electrical faults and fire incidents. The CEA cited recent fires and air-conditioner blasts reported in Delhi, Noida, Lucknow, Indore and Cuttack, highlighting the need for regular maintenance of electrical installations and appliances.
Advice for consumers
The CEA has advised consumers to keep their connected load within the sanctioned limit and inform their DISCOM if additional load is required. It also recommended ensuring that internal wiring is adequately rated to prevent overheating and fire hazards.
Consumers have been urged to use electricity judiciously by switching off appliances that are not required and avoiding continuous operation of air conditioners. The advisory recommends setting air conditioners at 24°C, in line with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) recommendation, for improved energy efficiency and safe operation.
The authority also advised regular servicing of air conditioners and other electrical appliances by qualified technicians, periodic cleaning of air filters and outdoor units, avoiding the use of multiple high-load appliances on a single socket or extension board, replacing damaged electrical accessories promptly, and ensuring proper earthing of electrical installations.
The advisory further recommends installing appropriately rated Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) and Residual Current Devices (RCDs), and taking immediate action if warning signs such as burning smells, smoke, sparking, overheating of plugs or frequent tripping of protection devices are observed.
Advice for DISCOMs
For DISCOMs, the CEA has recommended continuous monitoring of loading on transformers, conductors and other network equipment, and timely replacement of assets before they reach their operating limits.
The authority has also released a video message on electrical safety as part of the awareness campaign, urging all stakeholders to help ensure the safe use of electricity.
The featured photograph is for representation only.
