Gridco buys 350 MW power from energy exchange

With hydro power generation falling to an alarming level of 200-250 MW and increased power supply to the state grid by captive generating plants (CGPs) not enough to tide over peak power deficit, Grid Corporation of Orissa Ltd (Gridco) has started buying power from India Energy Exchange (IEE) to meet the shortfall.

Gridco, the bulk purchaser of power, bought 350 MW of power from IEE on Friday during 4 pm-6pm at a cost of Rs 10 lakh.

While 200 MW power was purchased during 4 pm-5 pm at a cost of Rs 2.77 per unit, Gridco bought 150 MW during 5 pm-6 pm at the rate of Rs 3.45 per unit.

Gridco did not resort to any power purchase from the exchange on Saturday as procurement cost shot up. The cost of power purchase from IEE stood at Rs 4.20 per unit for power bought between 4 pm to 5 pm whereas the price per unit between 5 pm to 6 pm was Rs 3.90.

Meanwhile, Gridco is also exploring the possibility of power banking to meet the shortfall.

Hydro power generation has drastically fallen to 200-250 MW due to plunging reservoir levels at Balimela, Indravati and Upper Kolab. Besides, the 550 MW of power supplied by the CGPs to the state grid has still left a peak power shortfall of 400 MW.

"Hydro power generation has dipped by 600-700 MW as water level in southern reservoirs- Balimela, Indravati and Upper Kolab is only at 20-25 per cent. We have asked the CGPs to maximize power supply to the state grid so that we are in a position to tide over the deficit", said G Mathivathanan, secretary (energy).

A top official of Grid Corporation of Orissa (Grico) said it is exploring the possibility of power banking to meet the power shortfall completely.

"There are not many opportunities for power banking as a lot of other states are also grappling with deficit. However, a week later, we think we would be in a position to identify states with some surplus power and approach them to offer power to us. This power can be utilized in the state and later when we reach a surplus position, we can supply equivalent quantum of power to such states. The time schedule and other modalities have to be worked out", said the official.