The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Severe power crunch looms large

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Monday, Dec 28, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Severe power crunch looms large

M. Malleswara Rao

HYDERABAD: The State is heading for severe power shortage, beginning with 36 million units a day in January and touching 50 mu (February) and a high of 57 mu (March), when the rabi season reaches the peak.

Left with no alternative, the government has decided to continue the daily four-six-hour supply cut in rural areas to save about 20 mu every day to reduce the demand-supply gap. Going by a steep 13.2 per cent increase in electricity consumption in the State and the likely heavy hike in rabi load, the AP Transco has estimated that the daily demand will go up to 250 mu in January (when supply will be 214 mu), 261 mu in February (211 mu) and 268 mu in March (211 mu). With the power cuts saving 20 mu daily, there will still be a shortage of 16 mu in January, 30 mu in February and 37 mu in March, according to a report submitted by AP Transco to the government.

Cuts likely

The utility may be forced to resort to cuts in some cities. Currently, 194 mu is supplied daily. The big demand-supply gap has been attributed to a drastic fall in hydel generation by 3,469 mu (from 8,969 mu estimated for the year to 5,500 mu).

Operation of Srisailam right bank powerhouse was stopped for two months and that on the left bank for a month following floods in the Krishna.

Heavy purchases

As heavy purchases will have to be made from external sources to meet the situation, AP Transco has requested the government to enhance the allocation to the power sector from Rs 6,040 crore, as provided in the budget, to Rs 9,970 crore, with an immediate release of Rs 1,000 crore. It also sought Rs 375 crore dues from the lift irrigation schemes, departments and municipalities against their electricity consumption.

An action plan has been finalised to operate the Srisailam powerhouses and maximise the output of the Sileru Hydro-electric Station till April.A Rs 85-crore scheme is being taken up at Burgampahad, where the Kinnerasani joins the Godavari, to provide water to the Kothagudem Thermal Station. Water available in the Mylavaram dam will be used to support the Rayalaseema power station only.

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Andhra Pradesh