Peak power demand in Odisha to reach 5,641 Mw by 2019

Peak power demand in Odisha is projected to touch 5,641 Mw by 2018-19, up from the current level of 4,050 Mw as the number of electricity consumers is going to add up with the progress in implementation of schemes like Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), Biju Gram Jyoti Yojana (BGJY) and Biju Saharanchala Vidyutikaran Yojana (BSVY).

The count of electricity consumers in the state is tipped to reach 9.6 million in FY19, from 5.8 million by the end of 2014-15. The state added around 2.5 million BPL (below poverty line) under RGGVY, BGJY and BSVY schemes. The average annual growth rate of electricity consumers was the highest during 2010-15 at 19.52 per cent. During 2015-19, the growth is expected to be 16.27 per cent. The power supply network did not grow commensurately with the growth in electricity consumers, prompting the state government to beef up its distribution network.

The growth in energy demand is slated to be the most in 2015-19, pegged to grow at 9.86 per cent. This is more than double the growth of 4.11 per cent that the state logged during 2010-15. Energy demand is poised to go up from 23,555 million units (MU) to 32,847 MU by 2018-19. LT (low tension) consumers account for 58 per cent of the state's energy demand, EHT (extra high tension) 27 per cent and HT consumers 15 per cent.

In the state's power purchase mix, thermal power, including power procured from independent power producers (IPPs) accounts of 67 per cent with the state's own hydro power contributing 23 per cent. Central hydro stations have a share of three per cent, renewable energy three per cent and captive generating plants five per cent.

As of now, Odisha is encountering a peak power deficit of 300-350 Mw. The state is plugging the deficit by procuring power from Punjab, Delhi and Arunachal Pradesh via the power banking mode.