GMR Energy starts 768MW power plant operation in Andhra

GMR Energy Ltd today said its subsidiary GMR Rajahmundry Energy Ltd (GREL) has commenced commercial operation of gas-based 768MW power plant in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh.

Power generated from this plant would be supplied to Andhra Pradesh power distribution companies.

"The commercial operation of the power plant commenced with the beginning of gas supply under e-bid RLNG Scheme (Scheme for Utilisation of Stranded Gas-based power plants), which was launched by the Centre in March, 2015", GMR Energy said in a BSE filing.

With e-bid RLNG Scheme, the 768MW power plant can now operate at 50 per cent Plant Load Factor (PLF), thereby generating 384 MW and supplying power to AP discoms continuously, it said.

GMR Energy said current operations will continue up to March 2016, depending on gas availability and thereafter the Centre will call for a fresh round of bidding.

The GREL power plant was awarded allocation of gas last month along with GMR Vemagiri Power Generation Ltd (GVPGL), which got operational recently. Both plants are located adjacent to each other.

"Commencement of commercial operation of GMR Rajahmundry Energy will help rationalise the power tariff and improve the power supply scenario of the state. The revenue generated through this will facilitate GMR Energy to cover O&M expenses and service the interest cost", a GREL spokesperson said.

As per the scheme, the government will subsidise the power distribution companies to the extent of Rs 1.44 per unit from the Power Sector Development Fund.