Rain eases power crises in MP, demand down by 1,000 Mw

A day ago the demand reached as high as 7,500 Mw and a section of media has reported that demand-supply is unlikely to meet for another couple of days

A sudden spell of rain has watered down growing power demand, mainly from the farm sector and has rescued state power management companies who are sweltering to manage the crisis since last fortnight. Power demand today slipped by nearly 1,000 Mw. A day ago the demand reached as high as 7,500 Mw and a section of media reported that demand-supply is unlikely to be met for another couple of days.

"Today rains have brought down the demand by another 1,000 Mw. Since there was a long dry spell demand, mainly from farm sector, demand had reached as high as 7,500 Mw. However, we have met the demand yesterday," a highly placed official in MP Power Management Company said.

To meet expected demand during "Ganesh Chaturthi" festival MP Power Management Company had recently floated tender for purchase of 500 Mw short term power from August 28 to September 9 through power traders, utilities and generating companies. The tender attracted a single bidder with "exorbitant price" of more than Rs 6.50 per unit.

"Only NTPC came forward to participate in the tender. Their quote was high, we buy power whenever we need, we have refloated tender and will see if cheaper power is available," the official further said.

Meanwhile, supply from Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) has reached 400 Mw yesterday. The corporation had severed MP's power due to non-payment of bills to the tune of more than Rs 500 crore. "It was a payment issue which will be settled soon, they (DVC) have supplied 400 Mw approximately the other day," the official said further.

However, state power minister Rajendra Shukla had assured that arrangements have been made to meet the crisis and the government would purchase power whenever needed.

State chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had earlier last week said his government would infuse 8,000 Mw power within a week and there will be no crisis.

Monsoon, according to weather department, was active over Bhopal, Jabalpur, Hoshangabad, Ujjain, and Indore divisions. They have predicted its activities in Gwalior, Hoshangabad, Chambal, Ujjain, Indore and Bhopal divisions. Bhopal has received 42 mm of rains during the last 24 hours.