Assocham calls for urgent measures to improve power situation

The industry body Assocham has expressed serious concern over the sudden drop in power availability in Karnataka. It has termed the situation as grim and called for urgent remedial measures to ensure that regular power supplies were resumed.

“While power situation in the state was much better than neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, turn of events over last few days has brought Karnataka to the brink of a virtual crisis,” J Crasta, Co-Chairman, Southern Regional Council of Assocham said.

He said that tripping of four units of Raichur Thermal Plant Station (RTPS) at the peak of summer load was rather unfortunate. “As per reports, State was heading towards huge deficit of over 2,000 Mw. As a result, distribution companies in the state were forced to resort to extensive load shedding. There are fears that industry may also have to face long cuts if the situation remains the same for some more time,” he said.

Crasta said that the power utilities in the state must ensure that industry was not subject to any power cuts.

As per one estimate, 1 per cent deficit in power supply leads to loss of almost 1 per cent potential growth in GSDP. Hence, to maintain a high growth economy, it was essential that economic activities in the state were not disrupted due to power shortage, he said.

Crasta added that the situation should be seen as an alarm towards impending power crisis and all necessary steps should be taken to ensure that the state is not faced with power shortage. Else, it would dent the state’s image as ideal investment destination and may deter potential investors looking to invest in Karnataka.

He suggested that the state government must chalk out a buffer plan to feed state grid in crisis situations. He said that the power utilities may think in terms of buying extra power from other statesô utilities to tide over the gap. At the same time state must draw up long term plans to ensure that the power situation remains comfortable.