M'shtra braces for load shedding as demand peaks

Maharashtra once again faces a fresh series of load shedding as demand has begun peaking post monsoon.

In the last week alone, the demand for power in the state has shot up by 2,200 mw, over and above the 250 mw that Tata Power draws from Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB) during the peak hours to meet Mumbai's demand.

According to the schedule drawn up by Mahadiscom, the power distribution arm of MSEB, areas including Navi Mumbai, suburban Mumbai, Thane, Auranagbad, Pune and Nagpur will face power cuts ranging from 5 to 8 hours for rural areas, up to two hours for major cities and up to four hours for other cities, which was announced by Mahadiscom's managing director Sanjay Bhatia on Monday. Bhatia added that the schedule will be operational by March.

Historically, demand peaks April onwards as the mercury begins to rise, which is expected to create another 3,000 mw deficit for the MSEB. But board officials are hopeful of additional power supply by May with the commissioning two projects of 1,000 mw.

The first project, the 250 mw plant at Parali and the second is the first phase of Dabhol which is expected to add 750 mw to overall capacity. By September 2006, the 250 mw Ghatghar project will also be synchronised while the 250 mw of Paras is expected to be synchronised by August 2006.

Mahadiscom has also signed MoUs with National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) for 2850 mw power which will become available in a phased manner in the second half of 2006.

Mahagenco, the generation company is also looking at 4000 mw power purchasing agreements with independent power producers and planning to float a tender to this effect.

Ajoy Mehta, the Mahagenco, the power generation arm of MSEB, managing director said that the company was looking to add another 200 mw capacity at its existing 800 mw plant at Uran and hike capacity of Talegoan plant by 1400 mw.

The company is also putting up two new at coal-based plants at Bhusaval and Dhopave, with a combined capacity of 1600 mw, Mehta said. Both these plants would be based on imported coal.

The state's current requirement of coal is 32 million tonne which is expected to touch 52 million tonne. To meet this increased requirement, the company is also considering the option of owning captive mines to ensure security, Mehta said.

Among the other options, the company is also looking at hydel, wind and nuclear energy, as well as accumulating carbon points to off set its losses.

Jayant Kawale, managing director of the MSEB holding company, said that the company was planning to fund its expansion plans with the Rs 500 crore that was promised by the state government in its budget, internal accruals and raising equity with private partners.