For powerstarved Maharashtra, it is a big achievement. Barring parts of Marathwada and north Maharashtra, the state has not only become free of load-shedding but by October-end, it will also be able to export surplus power following the completion of major projects. “It’s a big achievement. Barring areas where recovery is dismal, we have been able to supply uninterrupted power. We have been providing uninterrupted power for eight to 10 hours even to the agricultural sector,’’ Ajoy Mehta, managing director, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) said. MSEDCL records shows that while there is no loadshedding in areas where losses are below 34%, in areas where losses are more than that, load-shedding ranges from five to seven hours. For recovery, MSEDCL has created six zones: in A, B and C zones, the loss is below 34%; in D zone, it is 34-42%, in E, it is 42-50% and in F, it is above 50%. “We are drafting a new strategy for D, E & F zones to improve performance. If losses in these zones are reduced, the power supply position will improve,’’ a senior energy department official said.
The official said peak hour demand ranges from 14,500-15,500 MW, which is met from 5,500 MW power from state-owned thermal power stations, 1,000 MW from Dabhol, 3,500 from NTPC, 600 from the Uran gas power plant, 1,500 MW from windmills, 1,900 from the Koyna hydroelectric plant and 1,000 from other sources, including the hydel and open markets.
On achieving power surplus status, the official said, the state expects to receive an additional 1,100 MW from NTPC as per an agreement and another 1,500 MW from state-owned power plants at Khaparkheda and Bhusaval. “We are sure that by October-end, Maharashtra will be power surplus and will be able to export power to neighbouring states,’’ he said.
MSEDCL found that out of the 1.12 crore consumers across the state, more than 35 lakh were defaulters, resulting in a loss of Rs 300-400 crore. “We are drafting a new strategy to tackle defaulters. In certain areas, recovery is zero. We have stopped power supply to these areas, but still they manage to secure power. We have shunted out 350 employees (who could have been aiding them),’’ he said.
On the redistribution of load, the official said it had been proposed to shift major peak hour load to the night. “We have urged leading industrial houses, particularly those who consume a high quantity of power, so that our peak hour demand will reduce. Instead of Rs 7-8 per unit, we have proposed Rs 2.5 per unit. We have submitted a proposal to the state electricity regulatory commission for approval. If accepted, we will be in a better position to supply more power,’’ the official said.
The official said peak hour demand ranges from 14,500-15,500 MW, which is met from 5,500 MW power from state-owned thermal power stations, 1,000 MW from Dabhol, 3,500 from NTPC, 600 from the Uran gas power plant, 1,500 MW from windmills, 1,900 from the Koyna hydroelectric plant and 1,000 from other sources, including the hydel and open markets.
On achieving power surplus status, the official said, the state expects to receive an additional 1,100 MW from NTPC as per an agreement and another 1,500 MW from state-owned power plants at Khaparkheda and Bhusaval. “We are sure that by October-end, Maharashtra will be power surplus and will be able to export power to neighbouring states,’’ he said.
MSEDCL found that out of the 1.12 crore consumers across the state, more than 35 lakh were defaulters, resulting in a loss of Rs 300-400 crore. “We are drafting a new strategy to tackle defaulters. In certain areas, recovery is zero. We have stopped power supply to these areas, but still they manage to secure power. We have shunted out 350 employees (who could have been aiding them),’’ he said.
On the redistribution of load, the official said it had been proposed to shift major peak hour load to the night. “We have urged leading industrial houses, particularly those who consume a high quantity of power, so that our peak hour demand will reduce. Instead of Rs 7-8 per unit, we have proposed Rs 2.5 per unit. We have submitted a proposal to the state electricity regulatory commission for approval. If accepted, we will be in a better position to supply more power,’’ the official said.
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