NTPC power plants less affected due to Cyclone Phailin

Power generation from state-run NTPC's thermal plants in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh was not affected much due to Cyclone Phailin, though overall distribution in some parts of southern India was impacted.

"There has been no loss of assets. We were directed to bring the generation down from our plants as electricity transmission and distribution was impacted due to Cyclone Phailin," an NTPC official told PTI.

On asked about the amount of generation that was brought down, he said, it varied from time to time and added that the plants are currently running at sub-optimum level.

As far as power transmission from Power Grid's network is concerned, the company said it is not facing any difficulty.

However, four transmission grids run by the Odisha state government were affected.

"Our transmission networks have not been affected, however, four towers of the state transmission grid have been impacted and are currently being restored," a Power Grid Corporation official said.

He added that, "We have send a team of 35 people to carry out the restoration work for the state grid company and the team is on the job."

Last night, Power Ministry had said that there were some disturbances in electricity transmission due to the cyclone but were attended to in time.

"Required load and generation were managed in a balanced manner so as to secure stable transmission frequency," the official statement issued last night had said.

In Andhra Pradesh, the load was reduced to about 9,000 megawatt (MW) against normal demand of 10,000 MW and in Odisha it was 600 MW against the normal demand of 2,800 MW.

Based on IMD information, extensive prior preparations were undertaken to tackle the effects of Cyclone Phailin in the context of power requirements, the statement added.

POSOCO (Power System Operation Corporation Limited) operated National Load Dispatch Centre was operating 24 hours and is in touch with the regional dispatch centres of the firm and the state load dispatch centre (SLDC).

A high level team headed by Additional Secretary in the Ministry is coordinating all the steps required including 2 hourly reports to all concerned.