Pleasant weather gives respite to UP Power Corp

The sporadic rains and squall in Uttar Pradesh has been providing respite to the UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) this summer season with the peak power demand falling by almost 20 per cent.

While restricted demand during this time of the year hovers around 10,000 megawatt (mw) per day, it has now routinely flanked 8,000 Mw. This has helped the state power utility to supply maximum power, while minimising its overdraw from central sector.

During the last 24 hours, the corporation had supplied more power than restricted demand. The industrial areas are also getting 24 hours power compared to last year, although transmission and distribution glitches persist.

 

Against the restricted power demand of about 7,200 Mw, UPPCL claimed to have total power availability of almost 9,000 Mw.

“We had abundant power compared to demand of 7,150 Mw till 3:00 pm today. We even managed to supply 850 Mw of extra power to rural areas and sold 728 Mw excess power to other power utilities,” UPPCL Director (Distribution) Jawahar Lal told Business Standard.

“We have been able to supply 25 per cent more power this year,” he added.

While maximum power demand had already touched 10,000 this summer, however, on a routine basis, it has been ranging from 6,000 Mw to 7,000 Mw.

According to UPPCL data, major cities had received 24-hours power supply, while Bundelkhand region was supplied 23 hours of power. On the other hand, the rural areas received over 12 hours of electricity.

Kanpur-based industrialist and former president of Indian Industries Association (IIA) Tarun Khetrapal said the industrial feeder was receiving 24 hours power.

“But, the distribution machinery is rickety and there are regular breakdowns and tripping. Besides, the transformers do not have individual switches and in case of some fault, whole supply is cut,” he lamented.