Keep gadgets on during 'blackout', Karnataka citizens told

 Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation (KPTCL) has urged people to switch on their gadgets and other electrical appliances when they switch off lights for 9 minutes at 9 p.m. on Sunday, an official said here on Saturday.

"We appeal the general public to note that only lights be switched off and other electrical equipment be switched on," said a KPTCL spokesperson in a statement regarding the 'blackout' call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The power transmission department said refrigerators, air conditioners, coolers, fans and other electrical equipment can be switched on during the blackout call.

On Saturday, the National Load Dispatch Centre, Regional Load Dispatch Centres and all State Load Dispatch Centres deliberated through video link the grid security.

"As per instructions of the National Load Dispatch Centre, we have asked all senior officers working at generating stations, distribution companies, State Load Dispatch Centre and KPTCL to monitor power supply during the blackout call," it said.

The National Load Dispatch Centre has also issued an advisory to all State Load Dispatch Centres for reliable and secure system operation during the 9-minute blackout on Sunday.

KPTCL has also asked all the distribution companies to supervise the power supply during the switch-off time. The power transmission department has urged the local bodies to keep the street lights on to avoid law and order problems.

"The lights in hospitals and other essential services will remain on during the above period," it said. IANS