Peak power demand to touch 7000 MW in Delhi: Jain

Delhi is expected to witness its highest ever peak power demand of 7000 MW this summer, but the availability of electricity is more than this anticipated demand, Delhi Power minister Satyendar Jain said today.
Announcing the action plan for electricity supply arrangements in summer months, Jain said last year Delhi recorded the lowest percentage of power cuts (0.6) and the Power Department was determined to bring it down further.
"We have enough backhand arrangements to meet the power demand that is expected to soar up to a historic 7000 MW level in June this year. Besides, we have capacity to provide 700-800 MW extra power in case of emergency need," Jain told reporters.

The peak power demand had breached the 6000 MW mark last year, settling at the highest ever level of 6526 MW in June.
With the weatherman forecasting average temperatures to soar in North India from March to May the demand for electricity supply is expected to go up.
The Met office has said that average temperatures in Delhi, along with neighbouring states can soar over 1.5 degrees Celsius above normal levels.

The power demand for summer months is expected to be 6000 MW, April, 6450, May, 7000 MW, June, 6500 MW, July, 6400 MW, August, and 6000 MW in September, Jain said.

The arrangements for summer months include drawing up more power from Bawana plant and running the closed Badarpur thermal power plant for three months after March.
The three power distribution companies in Delhi -- BYPL, BRPL and TPDDL -- have also made arrangements to prevent power outages due to local faults. Control rooms with multiple phone lines have been set up to address complaints of consumers, he said.
The government has also ensured supply of enough electricity for the national capital by purchasing 1000 MW green power that would be available within next one year, the power minister said.
The government has purchased 750 MW of solar power at the rate of Rs 2.44 per unit, and wind power at the rate of Rs 2.50, he said.

Jain reiterated the AAP government's stand that the power tariff should not be hiked for next ten years.
"There is availability of cheaper power but we are not able to buy it due to long duration power purchase agreements. If the Centre allows us, we can bring the electricity rates to half of the existing tariff," he claimed.
The minister also said the proposal for penalising discoms for unscheduled outages would be sent to the Lt Governor for his approval.