Power shortfall upsets industry

The state government is facing a power shortage, a development that could hamper its efforts to improving its image as a destination for fresh investments.

The state was facing a 1000MW shortfall following the collapse of all units at West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited's Kolaghat power station.

West Bengal power minister Mrinal Banerjee has appealed to high-voltage industrial units in the state to suspend power withdrawal during peak hours between 6 pm and 11 pm.

"We have requested industry to restrict power withdrawal during evening peak hours. The situation is not yet beyond control, but if it worsen the state would be left with no choice but to take some steps", said Banerjee at an seminar on "Emerging scenario in the power sector in west Bengal" organised by Bengal National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BNCCI).

This evoked a sharp reaction from high voltage industrial units that needed bulk power for their production. They said sudden stoppages in production was not possible and a notice of at least 10 days was necessary.

"Units cannot stop our production with such sudden notice "" we are left with no choice but to continue with production in such a scenario" , said K K Navada, chairman of Eastern Switchgear & Electrical Co Ltd.. Banerjee of course blamed the central government for the problem. He cited lack of power supply from the central power regulatory authorities to the state .

The state was entitled to receive 1000 MW of power every day as it had no source of hydel power and had to control peak hour demands by thermal power only. The state never got more than 35 per cent of its allotted power.

"We can manage any shortfall if we even get around half of our allotted power " said the minister. The minister assured industry the problem would ease soon.