The Hindu Business Line : Power cuts across AP as hydel output declines

Hyderabad, July 12 With a shortfall of about 2,000 MW, thanks to falling output from hydel generating stations, the Andhra Pradesh Government has asked energy utilities to impose power cuts across the State.

Briefing newspersons on Saturday, the State Energy Minister, Mohd Ali Shabbir, said it had been decided to impose daily power cut of two hours in major cities, up to four hours in smaller towns and mandal headquarters, and about six hours in villages.

Assured supply

However, the Government stated that the farm sector would be provided an assured seven hours of power supply and, due to the shortfall, industrial units under the Central Power Distribution Co Ltd were directed to observe holiday once a week.

requirement

It is estimated that the average daily requirement is about 8,200 MW, while generation is about 6,500 MW. Although part of the shortfall is being bridged through power purchase from central and other generating stations, there remains a shortfall of about 1,000 MW.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, who reviewed the situation, has directed that the farm sector should get an assured seven hours of power supply.

The State is also requesting the Centre to defer the overhaul of 500 MW of NTPC’s Simhadri thermal power station till July 30 to partially meet the current shortage.

Monsoon situation

The State remains hopeful that the monsoon situation will improve and pave the way for hydel generation.

The State is witness to a prolonged dry spell and very poor flows into major reservoirs.

It is hopeful that gas from Reliance’s KG Basin will come through soon to spur generation from the gas-starved power stations.

This is expected to partly offset the problem.

Related Stories:
AP: No power cuts in the coming days, says CM
AP power purchase bill shoots up by Rs 14 cr
Efforts on to step up power generation to meet demand

More Stories on : Power | Andhra Pradesh

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