Bhubaneswar: What would be the most conventional way to address power crisis issue? A layman would recommend increasing power production or a technician may suggest reducing transmission losses. However, the bigwigs in power distribution companies in the state have come with a novel way, though in a clandestine manner, to tackle the problem.
Surprise power cuts, yes you read right!
As per reports, power distribution companies like Cesu, Wesco, Nesco and Southco are planning undeclared power cuts in the areas, except Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, coming under their respective jurisdictions to handle the situation.
According to sources, rural areas of the state are witnessing power outages for up to at least five hours a day. It is learnt that the department has secretly asked the distribution companies (discoms) to go for power cuts.
“Rural and tribal areas are witnessing frequent power cuts for hours as there is less chance of agitation by villagers and tribals on power outage,” said a source familiar with the issue.
Experts are of the opinion that the power crisis in state would worsen in the summer.
According to sources in the Energy department, at present the state needs around 4,000 megawatt power during the peak hours (6 pm to 10 pm) everyday. However, the state managed to secure 2,540 megawatt power from hydroelectricity projects, thermal power plants and independent power plants (IPPs) December 12 evening.
As per the data, hydroelectricity projects produced 611 megawatt power, thermal power plants produced 784 megawatt and IPPs produced 1,147 megawatt power.
“The power requirement of the state was 3,692 megawatt Wednesday evening against the availability of 2,540 megawatt. The state purchased 1,150 megawatt power from the central pool to meet the shortfall,” added the source.
The number of electricity consumers in the state has gone up to 77 lakh from 66 lakh in last two years due to implementation of the Saubhagya scheme of the Centre, sources said.
Experts are of the opinion that the state would require additional 1,500 megawatt power daily within two years when the number of consumers would touch at least 80 lakh.
The Gridco has planned to produce at least 5,700 megawatt power per day by 2020-21. Accordingly, the state government has signed agreements with around 30 IPPs between 2000 and 2014 to increase electricity production. However, as many as 20 IPPs are yet to start production.
When contacted, Energy minister Sushant Singh said the electricity production in state would rise substantially in near future. “There is no chance of power crisis in state,” he added.