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Power surplus in State a myth, says CII

BHUBANESWAR: The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) on Tuesday said it was a myth that Orissa was a power-surplus State and shortage of power would become acute as the demand from new industries grew.

Presenting a paper at a captive power producers’ meet here, S. K. Nanda, Covenor of Energy Panel of CII-Orissa, said Central Electricity Authority (CEA) statistics indicated that there was an energy deficit of 305 million units (MU) (1.8 per cent) and peak-hour deficit of 87mega watt (3.2 per cent) during the period of April 2006 and March 2007.

"Hence the claim that Orissa is a surplus State in power and energy, still remains a myth," Mr. Nanda said.

He said to get over this acute problem of power shortage one of the short-term measures, identified for quick increase in the generation, was to encourage installation of captive power plants (CPP).

The State has CPPs with an installed capacity of 2241 that constituted about 60 per cent of total installed capacity of 3720 mw under the State power utilities together with the State’s allocated share from central power stations.

"The Centre has advised the State Government to evolve a comprehensive captive power policy with facilities for purchase of power and wheeling surplus power from captive generating stations," Mr. Nanda pointed out.

He said, "in fact, a draft captive power policy prepared by CEA, in consultations with State had been forwarded to all the state in 2001, but the policy is yet to be finalised by the state."

Member of planning at CEA, V. S. Verma also underlined on need of such policy to enhance power generating capability. The member also drew attention of state government that many captive power producers had got coal linkage for their facilities.

Speaking on the occasion, State Energy Minister Surya Narayan Patro admitted that Orissa would face shortage of power due to rise in industrial demands. He, however, stressed the captive power producers should supply additional power to state grid at lower price so that state government could meet energy demands in rural sector.

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