Andhra Pradesh   

A.P. gets power supply from Punjab

Special Correspondent

As power shortage is continuing AP Transco is pinning hopes on northern states

HYDERABAD: Punjab began supply of power to the State on Friday, setting aside about 50 MW for this purpose, to start with. Punjab has turned slightly surplus in power following rain that has pushed its demand down.

With severe power shortage continuing even after purchases from wherever available, AP Transco is pinning high hopes on the northern states, including Haryana, where the harvesting operations have come to a close. Punjab offered to help on "buyback" basis, asking the State to reciprocate similarly later.

Even with power cut of over 4 hours a day on villages and towns, the demand in the State went up to 180.5 million units on Thursday and is likely to touch 190 mu by April first week due to the onset of summer and rabi operations. The present shortage of 10 mu will reach 20 mu a day by then, placing AP Transco in a precarious position.

A major drawback faced by the utility is that the Union Power Ministry has not responded to the State's plea for help beyond the present 100 MW from the "unallocated share" of the Central stations. Also, any further overdrawing from Southern grid has been ruled out as it will result in tripping of the generating stations.

The tripping of a 500 MW unit of Talcher, which deprived the State of its share (110 MW) will take two months for resumption, sources said.

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