Power problems in AP may continue for another few months

Power woes of citizens of Andhra Pradesh are likely to continue for another few months as the state government's efforts to buy additional electricity from outside sources is bearing no fruit due to "corridor constraints".
Officials of the Power Transmission Corporation of AP (AP Transco) told Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, during a high-level review meeting here today, that only about 1500 MW of power, as against 3000 MW ordered since June, was likely to be available from outside sources because of corridor constraints in the new grid.
Discussions were being held with the suppliers in this regard. The state is currently facing a shortfall of 36.66 million units (mu) of power per day with the average demand touching 255.53 mu.

However, the shortfall is expected to fall to 20.99 mu next month, but again go up to 40 mu in September.
Officials said the 800 MW first unit of Krishnapatnam power plant and 520 MW of Hindustan power plant would be commissioned this year along with 50 MW of Sagar Tail Pond.
Another 255 MW from Tuticorin power plant and 120 MW from the Central power generating stations was expected to be drawn to the state to tide over the current crisis.

Officials said use of solar water heaters could be made mandatory in the newly-constructed individual houses.
Officials also said Krishnapatnam Unit-2 (800 MW), Kakatiya (600 MW) and Hinduja Unit-2 (520 MW) would be commissioned during 2014.

Besides, 500 MW of solar and 500 MW of wind energy were likely to be added to the grid, making an additional 4745 MW of power available by 2013-2014.
Transco Chairman and Managing Director Suresh Chanda and other senior officials attended the review meeting.