Facing intense summer heat, Lucknow's power department has turned to innovative low-cost methods to keep transformers from overheating. With temperatures rising beyond 40°C, the electrical department in Lucknow has come up with an unconventional cooling solution: installing exhaust fans for overheated transformers and desert coolers. Wet gunny sacks are hung behind fans as a temporary fix to provide do-it-yourself air conditioning for vital electrical infrastructure.

400 more coolers have been ordered urgently by officials because transformers at 15 substations are in danger of melting down. By regularly rewetting jute sacks draped over exhaust systems, engineers have jury-rigged cooling at the Vibhuti Khand substation, which serves 20,000 connections. The HAL and Indiranagar substations exhibit comparable configurations.

This approach reflects the department's resourcefulness in addressing the challenges posed by the extreme heat and underscores the importance of such measures in ensuring a stable power supply during adverse weather conditions.

Until monsoon rains provide natural relief, the temporary solutions will remain in place. In the meantime, the department is engaged in a high-stakes game to keep transformers cold enough to avoid blackouts throughout the entire city.