Closure of three units of NTPC’s Kaniha super thermal power plant has not impacted the State in the power front.
Though the State has a share of 250 MW from the three units of NTPC, the shortfall is managed from hydro power. The Talcher Thermal Power Station (TTPS), a subsidiary of NTPC, and the IB Thermal Power Station are running to their capacity.
While the captive power plants are supplying nearly 1,000 MW to the State, the balance requirement is met from hydro power stations, official sources said.
Power demand of the state has gone down after fall of winter.
The average demand of power is in the range of 2,400-2,500 MW as against 3,000 MW a month back. Similarly, the peak demand has also come down to 2,900 MW as against 3,300 MW, sources in the State load dispatch centre said.
Power situation of the crisis ridden State improved after GMR Energy commissioned two of its units of 350 MW each.
The independent power project is providing 135 MW to the State.
All the Central sector thermal power stations are now fully operational except NTPC-Kaniha which has a generating capacity of 1500 MW (3X500 MW).
The State is surrendering nearly half of its share from the Central pool to save cost.
With an installed capacity of 460 MW, TTPS is generating nearly 400 MW while the State owned Ib Thermal (2X210 MW) is supplying 360 MW to the State.
TTPS is fully dedicated to the State.
As water level in major reservoirs is in a comfortable position, the hydro power stations have the capacity to meet peak demand upto 1400 MW, sources in the Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) said.
The Water Resources Department is regulating release of water for rabi crop.
If the coal crisis continues for more time, the State may face problem, the sources said.