The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission has allowed four gas-based power plants — GVK Extension, Gautami, Vemagiri and Konaseema — to use Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) in the wake of dwindling gas supplies from Krishna-Godavari basin.
The APERC in an order authorised the State Discoms to buy the relatively expensive power produced from these plants using RLNG.
The move by the APERC will give breather to power producers who have to keep their power plants either idle or run on low Plant Load factor, besides industrial consumers who are facing severe power crisis currently.
“The discoms shall procure expensive power from GVK Extension-220 MW, Gautami-464 MW, Vemagiri-370 MW and Konaseema-444 MW,” the APERC order said.
“These are having low station heat rate (SHR) i.e.1850 K Cal/KWh, compared to other gas-based IPP stations having high station heat rate and can generate power by using RLNG with reduced variable cost,” it added.
The expensive power will be supplied to consumers who opt to avail power under “expensive power supply” scheme by entering into an agreement with discoms as per the terms and conditions, the order said.
APERC said a coordination committee would be constituted under the chairmanship of Andhra Pradesh Power Coordination Committee, FAPCCI, FAPSIA and AP Spinning Mills association to oversee the implementation of the scheme.