Maharashtra power shortfall up at 2,500 mw

A dry and hot weather in October has seen a spurt in power demand even as the state's power demand has increased from 9,500-10,000 mw during peak hours to around 11,300 mw.

This has created a shortfall of nearly 2,300-2,500 mw, forcing the Maharashtra State Distribution Company (Mahadiscom) to carry out load shedding all over the state in a phasewise manner, according to a press release issued by Mahadiscom.

However, this crisis may be on the ebb as units generating nearly 3,000 mw, under overhaul now, may soon resume generation.

Further relief from load-shedding may come as Mahadiscom is carrying out a massive programme of separating single-phase lines from feeder lines. This work is likely to be completed by November 15.

According to the press release, despite the distribution company's attempts to get power from other states, it has not been able to get more than 870 mw.