SGCCI Hosts Open House with DGVCL and GETCO to Address Power Issues

Surat, Gujarat – To address the persistent issues of power outages, cable breaks, and inadequate electricity infrastructure faced by industries across South Gujarat, the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) organized an open house with senior officials of Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL) and Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO).

The open house witnessed the participation of K.H. Rathod, Chief Engineer of GETCO Transmission; M.G. Surti, Chief Engineer of DGVCL; A.B. Rathod, Chief Engineer of GETCO Projects; Pannaben Nayak, Additional Chief Engineer of GETCO Bharuch Region; and S.P. Chauhan, Additional Chief Engineer of DGVCL, among others.

Highlighting the importance of the dialogue, SGCCI President Vijay Mewawala said, “Electricity is the energy running through the veins of our economy. From small traders to major industries, reliable power is essential. When service providers like DGVCL and GETCO engage openly with industries, it opens new doors for dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.”

Industrialists raised critical issues such as the shortage of sub-stations in areas like Sachin GIDC, Kim, Pipodara, and Mangrol, frequent faults, power cuts due to cable breaks, manpower shortages, additional billing for solar rooftops, and issues related to system strengthening charges and setoffs.

Responding to concerns, DGVCL Chief Engineer M.G. Surti announced a two-pronged action plan: installation of route markers to prevent cable damage during excavations and appointment of cable watchers to monitor and safeguard underground lines. “A fund of ₹1200 crore has been allocated for the development of an underground cable network in industrial areas,” he added.

He further revealed that new 66/11 KV sub-stations will be established in Sachin GIDC, Sachin Talangpur, and Laxmi Park this year, with additional sub-stations planned for 2026-27. Notably, for the first time in Gujarat, a sub-station will be built on the ground floor with additional structures above it due to space constraints.

In response to the long-standing power shortage in the Kim-Pipodara belt, Surti said, “A 66 KV substation will be installed at Pipodara No.3 this year, and a new substation near Kim will address the load requirements.” He also instructed officials to separate power lines for industrial and rural consumers to ensure industries receive quality power supply.

Chief Engineer of GETCO Transmission, K.H. Rathod, outlined the challenges arising from the surge in solar power generation, leading to voltage fluctuations. “We are installing high-voltage reactors and planning 15-16 new sub-stations for 2025-26 to strengthen the grid. Areas like Khajod and Velanja are earmarked for 220 KV substations,” Rathod said.

Additional Chief Engineer of GETCO Bharuch Region, Pannaben Nayak, provided further details about the expansion plans. “In 2024-25, 174 panels have been allocated for industrialists, with 57 panels already allotted for next year. Digital vertical sub-stations with advanced technology are coming up in Surat and Bharuch,” she explained.

The open house also became a platform for industrialists to voice specific grievances:

A call for expedited underground cabling to mitigate monsoon-related disruptions.

Demands for new 66 KV and 220 KV sub-stations in underserved areas like Mangrol, Mota Borasara, and Kim Industries.

Appeals against high system strengthening charges and pending rooftop solar meter installations.

Concerns over outdated transformers, frequent voltage drops, and lengthy billing disputes.

Industrialists pointed out that frequent jerks and power cuts cause them crores in losses annually, especially in hubs like Kim-Pipodara. “We urgently need separate express lines for industries to ensure stable operations,” an industrialist from Bardoli stressed.