Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)
Bangalore, Jul 24: During the fortnight since the last evaluation of the state's power situation two weeks ago, the state government has found that it has sunk deeper into power crisis than it estimated. As against the 11% power shortage that was projected then, fresh estimates say, that the state is faced with a huge shortfall of 20% now. The energy minister rests his hopes of an improvement in the situation on the God and better rainfall.
The people residing in cities who are presently facing four to six hour cuts may have to face power cuts stretching upto eight hours soon. The rural areas will be the worst hit as they may face power cuts upto 12 to 15 hours per day. The load-shedding which is 20% now, has been decided to be increased to 25% in August.
Explaining the precarious power situation in the state, energy minister K S Eshwarappa told the assembly on Wednesday July 23, that the state is doing everything within its command to improve the situation, including buying power from surplus states and private producers. Apart from approaching Chattisgarh state which might agree to supply 300 mw of power to the state, the state hopes to buy 50 mw each from Tata and Jindal. Power Trading Corporation too is being approached for electricity, while the union government has been requested to increase the state's share from the central grid.
The coal stock at Raichur is sufficient for only seven days and the state has placed orders for coal for replenishing the depleting stocks. Bellary thermal station will also start producing 500 mw of power soon.
The minister said that the daily consumption of power in the state has gone up to 116 MU as compared to 99 MU in the previous year. Eshwarappa pointed out, that because of the reduced rainfall, all the hydel power stations are working below capacity and that the central government supplies only 1,542 mw of power to the state, while it supplies 3,174 mw to Tamil Nadu and 2,955 mw to Andra Pradesh.