Maharashtra power demand hits record 32,500 MW in October heat, supply under strain before festivals
Four Mahagenco thermal units are shut and the central grid is supplying 1,655 MW less than allotted, as the state moves to buy extra power.
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Maharashtra's demand for electricity has risen sharply because of the October heat. On October 7, the state's demand touched a record 32,500 MW. However, limits on generation and availability have created a major supply challenge for the state.
In Mahavitaran's area of operation, which excludes Mumbai, consumption of 27,282 MW was recorded at 4 pm on October 8. Higher power use in the festival season on one side and a shortfall in supply on the other are together adding to concern.
Generation has been badly hit. Four large thermal units of Mahanirmiti are currently shut, one each at the Bhusawal, Chandrapur, Koradi and Khaparkheda power stations. The installed capacity of Mahanirmiti's thermal projects is 10,842 MW, but only 6,392 MW is actually being generated. A coal shortage, reduced hydropower and lower supply from the central grid have made matters harder.
Maharashtra is allotted 5,558 MW from the central grid, but is actually getting only 3,903 MW, a shortfall of 1,655 MW. In addition, one unit of NTPC's Mouda project and the gas-based Gandhar and Kawas projects have been shut for a long time.
To prevent power cuts in these conditions, the state government and Mahavitaran have taken a few key steps. The first is load management. Plans are being made to avoid outages by balancing demand and availability.
The second step is buying additional power. Efforts are under way to obtain 3,565 MW of additional power through power exchanges and PFC. Separately, 289 MW has already been purchased under short-term agreements to make up the shortfall.
The third focus is coal and solar energy. Emphasis is being placed on keeping coal supply to thermal projects smooth, and daytime solar energy is being used as much as possible.
