Maharashtra's peak power demand surges to 15,891 MW due to scanty rainfall

MahaVitaran draws power at Rs 2.65 to Rs 3.81 per unit

Reeling under severe drought, Maharashtra has witnessed sharp increase in the demand for power.

The state’s demand as on September 6 had risen to 18,058 Mw, including state distribution utility MahaVitaran’s demand of 15,891 Mw and 2,167 Mw of Mumbai, due to scanty rainfall and extended summer in most parts of the state.

During the corresponding period last year, the state’s total demand was recorded at 14,879 Mw, including MahaVitaran’s demand of 12,319 Mw and Mumbai’s 2,560 Mw.

Last year, the state had received more rainfall compared to this year.

MahaVitaran has projected the demand might increase further if monsoon withdraws in the near future.

“As of now, MahaVitaran is managing the show due to drawal of power under the long-term power purchase agreements with MahaGenco, central sector and various independent power producers (IPPs). Besides, power is also purchased through exchanges on a short-term basis. There is no loadshedding, barring 25 Mw during peak hours. However, if there is no rainfall in the coming days and demand rises further, the situation may become grim,” a MahaVitaran official told Business Standard.

The official said MahaVitaran is drawing power at the rates between Rs 2.65 and Rs 3.81 per unit.

“Against its thermal installed capacity of 11,237 Mw, MahaGenco is supplying 5,000 Mw, while the state gets 4,500 Mw from the central sector, including NTPC, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited. MahaVitaran also receives 2,400 Mw from Adani Power, 1,096 Mw from RattanIndia Power, 680 Mw from Lanco and 500 Mw from Koyna Hydroelectric Project. MahaVitaran also receives 100 to 250 Mw from power exchanges on a short-term basis,” he said.