Mumbai: This summer, there won’t be any power cuts in the state, officials said Saturday. A prolonged winter and better management of the Koyna dam water had made this possible, they said. However, as a precautionary measure, the MSEDCL had decided to enter into short-term agreements for power supply.
“A prolonged winter reduced the demand from all over Maharashtra. Presently looking at the available coal and the water in the Koyna dam, we are certain that we will be able to provide 24 hours power supply even during summer when we usually see high demand,” said a senior official from the Maharashtra State electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL).
From the Koyna dam, 67.5 TMC water per year is allocated for power generation.
“Presently we have 38 TMC water stored in the Koyna dam. This year, the coal stock is better than last year. Thirteen lakh tonnes of coal are available this year. Although in the present situation, we can avoid power cuts but as a precautionary measure, we are inking a power purchase agreement (PPA) that will help get 400 Megawatt power through power exchange,” said the official.
The demand for coal has reduced all over India because of a prolonged winter, he added.
“Coal stock is easily available. With the available coal and hydraulic project at Koyna dam, we can maintain regular power supply till June 7,” the official further said.
The authorities are also expecting the demand for electricity to go down by May 15 as weather experts have predicted pre-monsoon showers around that period.
The present electricity requirement of the state is 20,000 Megawatt per day. It is expected to rise in summer up to 25,000 Megawatt per day.
