Generation of power from hydroelectric sources has dipped over the past few days. However, the officials insist that the state has nothing to worry about in terms of power shortage. This reduced hydel power generation, however, can mean that the state would have to look at additional power purchases in the near future in order to meet the demand.
Figures from the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) show that the total generation from hydel sources for Monday was 27.11 Million Units (MU) while the same time last year 50.09 MU were produced.
While there is no power shortage at present, the capacity of the three major reservoirs are between 12-18 per cent lesser than the figures last year. As a result, KPCL has resorted to marshaling the available reserves in order to be able to generate power till next monsoon.
“While the level is lesser than last year, it is manageable. Power production will be lesser than last year, but the government can compensate by sourcing power from other options. There are many sources that can be tapped. Koodankulam will be synchronized soon, Udupi Power Corporation Limited has a plant from which power can be bought and many others,” said a senior KPCL offical.
He added that the government could also go in for additional power procurement from the market. “Hydel power can be used as a backup when other systems fail. The water is not going anywhere. We can stretch the production so that we have hydel power for the entire year,” the official added.
When asked if this reduced generation is a sign of future shortages, M R Kamble, Managing Director, KPCL, said the reduced generation was the result of a steady supply coming in from thermal and other sources. “There is always an amount of flexibility in hydel power generation. We can reduce or increase generation according to requirement,” he said.
Kamble added that the state would not be facing any power shortage since KPCL had adequate stocks of coal in order to generate power based on the demand. “There should not be a problem. We are prepared to meet the demand,” he added.