Lightning hit the main power station of the university on Sunday afternoon and a report of the Tinsukia-based General Electric Corporation officials said the damage was "severe" as the diaphragm was blown out, A N Rai, NEHU vice-chancellor said.
Peak demand at the central varsity having a campus area of 1225 acres and having over 2000 students and over 300 faculty members is 1.7 KW.
While the authorities have bought a 1 KW transformer to augment the power shortage that could affect their normal functioning, they have to wait for another 15-20 hours before power is restored partially.
"The new transformer costing Rs 15 lakh have arrived and the engineers are fighting time and rain to install it," A N Rai told reporters.
The decision to buy a new one was taken in view of the emergent situation that arose and due to the fact that the repair work could take as long as 45 days.
The VC also said that the university had decided to use power shedding for optimum use of power to the different units.
"We have decided to provide power to all academic department and laboratories, guest houses and administrative block from 9 am to 5 pm while the residences will get power from 5 pm to 9 am," Rai said. (MORE)
