Growing electricity demand and frequent power disruptions at Thamarassery, Koduvally, and Omassery regions in Kozhikode district of Kerala have intensified calls for the establishment of a 110 kV substation centred around Thamarassery town. Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) officials said the proposed substation is essential to overcome transmission losses, improve voltage quality, and ensure uninterrupted power supply to nearly 70,000 consumers across the three electrical section limits.

The region has witnessed rapid development in recent years, while population density, especially in urban pockets, has also increased significantly. According to the KSEB officials, the sharp rise in both single-phase and three-phase power connections have put severe pressure on the existing distribution infrastructure.

Although a 110 kV substation exists under the name ‘Thamarassery KSEB Substation,’ it is located at Perumpally in Puthuppady grama panchayat. At present, only three feeders from the substation serve the Thamarassery section. Since the feeders extend for nearly 35 kilometres, consumers often do not receive quality and uninterrupted power supply.

As double feeders

The officials pointed out that two of the three feeders — the 11 kV Thamarassery and 11 kV Chamora feeders — pass through nearly four kilometres of densely wooded areas as double feeders (parallel feeders), resulting in frequent power interruptions during the monsoon season. They said that whenever one feeder was shut down for maintenance or due to faults, nearly 80% of the Thamarassery section faces power disruption.

The 11 kV feeders in the border areas of the Koduvally and Omassery sections are mostly overloaded. The 11 kV Poonoor feeder also passes through nearly 10 kilometres of densely forested estate land, further affecting supply reliability.

Meanwhile, the 110 kV substation named after Koduvally is situated at Madavoor. The Koduvally section currently receives power through 11 kV feeders from the 220 kV Kunnamangalam, 66 kV NIT, and 110 kV Agasthyamoozhi substations.

The KSEB officials said there was a broad understanding regarding the establishment of a 110 kV substation centred around Thamarassery town and a 33 kV substation centred around Koduvally town. Department-level discussions on the projects are under way.

KSEB authorities had earlier conducted preliminary surveys in Thamarassery and in Vavad and Kalaranthiri areas of Koduvally to identify suitable land for the substations. An official from the transmission wing has been assigned to oversee procedures related to the proposed projects.