Southern states to up power generating capacity

The four southern states expect to expand power generating capacity by another 20,000 MW of power from the present 31,730.95 MW during the course of the Eleventh Five Year Plan period (2007-2012).

Addressing mediapersons, P M Sayeed, Union Minister for Power, said in order to avoid the shortage situation, we have started an action plan for the Eleventh Plan of creating additional capacity throughout the plan period, he added.

Sayeed said that after the end of the power sector review meeting of southern states, Tamil Nadu has indicated that it will set up only 1,000 MW of the 4,000 MW capacity expansion planned for Eleventh plan.

Sayeed said that being a growth-oriented state, Tamil Nadu should at least add 2,000 MW leaving the remaining capacity generation to the centre and independent power producers (IPP). Pondicherry will add 200 MW all of which will come under central allocation.

Andhra Pradesh expects to increase its capacity by 9,000 MW of power which the state government's will set up 4,600 MW, the remaining 4,400 MW will be contributed by IPPs and central allocations.

Karnataka will enhance its capacity production by 6,000 MW. Karnataka will set up 3,400 MW of power while 2,600 MW will be put up by central generating system.

Kerala plans to add 1,000 MW, of which the state government will put up 474 MW leaving the remaining to be funded by the centre.