Why Maharashtra's power deficit is low

Availability of ample power from central pool, independent power producers, and MahaGenco keeps deficit under 50 Mw

Notwithstanding the rising demand for power in the summer, Maharashtra's power deficit is surprisingly low at 40-50 Mw. The state was able to keep deficit under 50 Mw by drawing 4,875 Mw of uninterrupted power from private producers under long-term power purchase agreements; 4,509 Mw from the central pool; and 4,371-7,300 Mw from Maharashtra State Power Generation Company, or MahaGenco; besides the short-term bids for 200-300 Mw, says Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MahaVitaran).

MahaVitaran, which has a consumer base of 22.5 million, has also resorted to drawal of power from the power exchange at Rs 2.60-3 a unit.

According to the data compiled by MahaVitaran and the state load despatch centre, the demand in the MahaVitaran's distribution area has been 15,000-16,202 Mw since April 30. The state distribution company had to carry out load shedding of 40-50 Mw as it was able to meet the demand in a major way.

A MahaVitaran official told Business Standard: “Despite the rise in demand largely due to summer, the power scenario is quite comfortable. The state is able to draw power from the central sector including NTPC and Nuclear Power Corporation at Rs 3 a unit and at Rs 3.50 a unit from private producers. The load-shedding is restricted to those areas where distribution losses are high and arrears are rising.”

According to the official, MahaVitaran has been able to manage the show despite the closure of 1,967 Mw Dabhol/Ratnagiri power project since December 28, 2013.

The official noted that the low distribution loss was another positive for the present power scenario.  The total demand of Maharashtra on May 10 was 17,491 Mw, of which 17,440 Mw was met leaving a deficit of 51 Mw.  A day before, on May 9, the state's demand had surged to 19,080 Mw against the availability of 19,034 Mw, leaving a shortfall of 46 Mw. On May 8, against the demand of 19,076 Mw, 19,029 Mw was met leaving a shortfall of 47 Mw. In Mumbai, Tata Power, Reliance Infrastructure, BrihanMumbai Electric Supply and Transport and MahaVitaran (only in Mulund and Bhandup areas) are currently engaged in power distribution.  Maharashtra is a power-surplus state, says MSEB Holding Company director R B Goenka. “MahaVitaran has received short-term power supply bids of 200-300 Mw at Rs 2.90-2.93 a unit.”