Transmission Department

Transmission Department (TD) is responsible for operation and maintenance (O&M) of high voltage (66kV and above) transmission system in Bhutan. It ensures reliable transmission network for transmitting electric power from hydro power plant to load centers within Bhutan for local consumption and to export to India.
At present, the Department operates and maintains substations & transmission lines with 576 personnel posted under three Superintending offices, eight divisions headed by managers and the Head Office headed by Head of Department for smooth co-ordination. The total transmission line length is 949.807km (66, 132, 220 & 400kV) and 25 substations (664.5MVA).

TD Organogram

Objectives

  • To ensure highest reliability of the transmission lines and substations
  • To ensure best operation and maintenance practices
  • To ensure highest safety practices
  • To ensure the staffs are kept abreast with the latest technology
  • To ensure specialization in core areas such relaying & protection, maintenance of switch gears and other important equipment

Apart from routine O&M of substations and transmission lines, TD has to take up numerous works due following reasons:

  • Due to growth in electricity use
  • Roads and infrastructure development in some area
  • New town planning
  • Aging transmission system
  • Accommodation requirement for the staffs

Current Activities

  •  Up-gradation of 2x20MVA to 2×50/63MVA at 220/66/11kV Semtokha Substation. This was done to cater the increasing load of Thimphu and as contingencies measures for the north-western region. The work was awarded to M/s KEPCO, South Korea under BPC funding. This work shall be complete by mid 2012.

  • Re-alignment works of 66kV Chukha Thimphu transmission as a deposit work at IT Park, Babeysa, Wangchutaba was taken up by TMD Olakha in coordination with TD head office. Since 66kV line ran through the area earmarked for development of IT, TD has to put 66kV underground cable as best alternative to give way to the IT park infrastructure development. The work shall be completed by June 2012.
  • Re-routing of 132 kV transmission lines which is passing through the proposed new township at Denchi, Pemgatshel is being carried out departmentally by TMD, Nangkhor. The fund for this work is from RGoB and shall be completed by Mid 2012