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NTPC cuts down power generation due to lack of demand

Lower demand for power in various states has forced the National Thermal Power Corporation to cut down generation worth about Rs 5 billion during the last six months.

NTPC Chairman and Managing Director Rajendra Singh told newspersons in New Delhi that the corporation had to cut down power generation by 4,289 million units during April-October this year following a fall in demand in all the four regions in the country. During the same period last year, the corporation had to back down 2140 million units (mu) generation.

The grid restrictions were necessitated as the electricity demands in various parts of the country fluctuated due to rains and other factors. Rains in some regions reduce pressure in the agriculture sector.

In the western region, the corporation curtailed generation by 463 mu this year as against 204 mu last year. In the southern region, the back down units, however, were only 10 mu as against 95 mu last year. In the eastern region, the back down units were astronomically high, touching a market of 2,083 mu this year as against only 798 mu last year.

About the mounting arrears of NTPC, Singh said concrete steps were being taken to realise the dues from various states. At present, arrears of over Rs 60 billion from various states were outstanding.

Singh the corporation was planning to import power from the eastern region to the western region. He said about 5000 megawatts (mw) power would be fed to the western region by establishing interconnectors in Madhya Pradesh. Talks with the western region electricity boards were under way to finalise the scheme.

NTPC has decided not to take up any new generation plan in the eastern region due to the excess generation there, he said.

A new line was being installed between the Biharsharief and Rihand to export 500 mw power to the northern region. Work on the line would be completed in about three years, he said.

About the transfer of power from Talcher to the southern region, the power purchase agreements will be signed with the southern states by December this year, Singh added.

UNI