Severe power crisis may hit industry in Uttarakhand

A severe power crisis has hit Uttarakhand and is likely to affect industrial production in the state.

Sources in the Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) said power generation in the state-run plants, including those in Chibro, Dhalipur and Ramganga, had come down to nearly half following a sharp fall in the water flow of rivers.

The demand for power during the winter season has reached 21 million units from 18 million units, thereby adding to the power shortage. The UPCL has been resorting to frequent power cuts in the state.

Uttarakhand used to receive 150 Mw from Delhi. But lately, due to some technical snag in big power projects, Uttarakhand has been overdrawing electricity at a much higher cost.

According to the latest schedule, there will be three- to five-hour power cuts in big cities like Dehradun till January 15. "We will review the situation after that," a UPCL official said.

Uttarakhand is drawing 6.5 million units of power from the central pool. Besides, 2 million units are being overdrawn. Apart from this, Uttarakhand is also taking back 1 million units which it had banked in Punjab and Haryana. But despite this the state is left with a deficit of 2-3 million units of power.

Official sources said power cuts were likely to affect industrial production in the state. "We are closely monitoring the demand of industries," a source said.