KPCL to raise power generation by 4.3%

Karnataka, which is facing a shortage of around 2,000 Mw per day, is set to increase the installed generation capacity by 4.3 per cent, to 26,161 million units, during 2009-10. The Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd (KPCL), the state-owned power generating company, is adding 1,081 million units during the present fiscal, the state economic survey said.

The installed capacity in the public sector is likely to be 6,013.83 Mw by the end of 2009-10, contributed by 3,652.35 Mw of hydel power, 2,220 Mw of thermal power, 127.92 Mw of diesel power, 4.56 Mw of wind power and 9 Mw of solar photo-voltaic plant. “The state has still a long way to go before it completely exploits the hydel potential of 7,750 Mw,” the survey noted.

The hydel generation during the year was 11,962 million units, which is less by 7.3 per cent compared with 2008-09 level of 12,898 million units. Thermal generation in 2009-10 was 13,980 million units, an increase of 19.3 per cent over that in 2008-09.

The generation from the private sector is expected to be 3,000 million units in 2009-10 and the total generation is estimated at 39,656 million units including imports from Central generating stations at 10,945 million units.

During the present year, up to November 2009, a total of 13 stations were commissioned, which include three 220 Kv stations and nine 66 Kv stations.

The state government has recognised the need for financial turnaround as a critical strategy for the power sector. Accordingly, a 10-year financial restructuring plan was announced with a commitment to extend financial support of Rs 12,141 crore to the power sector over a 10-year period.