BHUBANESWAR: Projecting the Odisha’s power demand at 6500 MW by 2018-19, the State Government on Thursday exuded confidence to meet the demand from new power projects under execution. Stating that the 18th Electric Power Survey (EPS) report of Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has made a peak power demand forecast of 6500 MW for the State in the terminal year of 12th Plan, Minister of State for Energy Pranab Prakash Das said Odisha will face an additional demand of 2000 MW only after completion of the rural electrification programme. Expecting 400 MW towards State’s share from independent power projects of Ind Barath, Monet Energy, Jindal India Thermal Power Limited (JITPL) and Maa Durga in 2016, the Minister said additional 2500 MW will be available from OPGC’s third and fourth units, NTPC’s Darlipalli plant (2X800 MW) and Ultra Mega Power Project, Bedabahal (5X800 MW).
The Minister, while replying to supplementary demand discussion of the Energy Department in the Assembly, further said the State Government has already taken steps for renovation of the hydro power stations with investment of `1000 crore. Work orders have been issued for two units of Hirakud and one unit of Chipilima hydro power stations and steps are being taken to issue work order for repair and maintenance of six units of Balimela hydel project. It has been targeted to complete the renovation work by 2018-19, he said. Admitting that Odisha is facing power demand upto 500 MW due to hydro failure, the Minister said the average demand of the State is 3500 MW while the peak demand during summer is about 4500 MW. While the State is facing power shortage, it is not getting its share from the Central pool. Reduced allocation from the Central pool has further accentuated the problem, he said.
As per the power survey projection, peak power demand in the State will be around 5,322 MW in 2015-16 and 5,672 MW in 2016-17 respectively. However, the demand for the current fiscal has remained below 4,500 MW. Alleging that the Energy Department is in a mess, Leader of Opposition Narsingh Mishra said the Government’s figure on rural electrification is totally false. Mishra sought to know when the Government will keep its promise to provide free electricity to farmers. Complaining of low voltage in many places, ruling party member Maheswar Sahu urged the Minister to improve the quality of supply and ensure 24x7 power supply to all the hospitals of State