Power demand rises in state

Mumbai: As the mercury continues to rise day by day, demand for power has been significantly increasing across the state. The state recorded a demand of 19,000 MW of power, which is increasing daily. Consumption of residential consumers has also increased due to a rise in usage of air-conditioner (AC) units.

Farmers are also consuming more power, as water is available in all parts of the state for agricultural pumps. A power expert, Dr Ashok Pendse, has predicted that demand will rise to 22,000 MW soon.  

A severe heat wave has been witnessed across the state since two weeks, and the mercury is around 42-48 degrees Celsius. The demand for power rises in the daytime due to an increase in the usage of AC.

The demand from the agricultural sector is also at a peak because water is available in most of the parts of the state now.

The heat wave and rabi crops, which require more water, has led to agriculture sector consuming more electricity, said a senior official of Mahavitaran, the largest electricity distribution utility in India.

According to officials, though demand is increasing sharply, Mahavitaran is managing supply through short-term power purchase and power exchange.

The power shortage is aggravated as thermal supply by the generation company is dipping to 6,025 MW from 6,500 MW. The reduction is due to problems in availability of coal, and a few non-functional units.

Meanwhile, Dr Pendse said, “This year, demand will rise to 22,000 MW in a few days and supply will fall short.

The electricity generation company is not managing the supply properly, and I fear that Mahavitaran maybe compelled to start load-shedding across the state if the power supply does not increase.”