Scanty rainfall, coal crisis plunges Chhattisgarh into power crisis

State-run power utility CSPGC has an installed power capacity of 3,434 Mw

Coal crises coupled with scanty rainfall has plunged Chhattisgarh into a power crisis even as the demand surged to an all-time high for the season.

The development resulted in increased demand for power as the farmers continued to use pumps to save crops, besides domestic consumers switching on the air-conditioners to beat the heat.

What added to the state-run Chhattisgarh state power generation company (CSPGC) officials' woes was the failure of power stations to run at full capacity. CSPGC has an installed power capacity of 3,434 megawatts (Mw). Coal shortage had been cited as the main reason that had severely affected the production.

According to the company spokesperson, the peak power demand in the state was 3,800-4,000 Mw. Drawing 1,100 Mw from the central pool, the power distribution company could manage to meet the demand. The officials were planning to regulate the demand and supply during monsoon when demand normally dropped.

“Never during monsoon has the power demand been 4,200 Mw, which is equivalent to the demand during the summer season,” the spokesperson said. Though the power crises are severe, the company has been taking necessary measures to deal with the situation, he said, adding that the state had requested more power from the central pool.

The annual maintenance of the state-run power plants had been suspended. During monsoon, the maintenance work was normally taken up as the power demand during the season was considerably low.