Surplus Power In East To Be Exported To Other States

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has finalised plans to export nearly 700 mega watts (mw) of surplus electric power from the eastern region to all corners of India. This is also expected to provide some relief to the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) which has been forced to idle most of its generating capacity in the region for commercial reasons.

The decisions were taken at a meeting organised by CEA on Tuesday and Wednesday, which was attended by representatives of the eastern and northern Regional Electricity Boards. NTPC officials also participated in the meeting.

The power corporation will conclude an agreement with Andhra Pradesh within a week under which 150 mw of power will be exported from the eastern region to Andhra Pradesh on a virtually round-the-clock basis. Another agreement is likely to be signed with either Rajasthan or Punjab for supply of 150 mw from the eastern region.

 

CEA has also asked the eastern and northern regional boards to synchronise two hydel power generating units at Rihand with the eastern region. While the Dehri substation in Bihar and Sahupuri substation in Uttar Pradesh will be the first link between the eastern and northern regions, the constant link of the two hydel units which have a capacity of 50 mw with the eastern region will ensure emergency help to the east in case of any unexpected shortages.

Ironically, surplus power from the east will flow through Uttar Pradesh to either Rajasthan or Punjab, but power-starved Uttar Pradesh itself will have no access to the supply. Although the state has expressed its interest in importing power, the power corporation is reportedly reluctant to supply it since the state has already piled up huge outstandings. In fact, the corporation plans to shortly begin regulating power supply to Uttar Pradesh.

In the western region, Madhya Pradesh is keen to import 200 mw of power. However, the commencement of the import process through Orissa has been delayed owing to technical problems with the transmission link. This problem is expected to be resolved before the monsoon.

In the north-east region, Assam is already receiving some power from the east. A formal agreement is expected to be signed shortly. Assams drawal had gone up to 150 mw in the past.

Although the CEA has brokered the export deals between the power corporation and states in four regions of the country, the conclusion of the deals depends on the signing of the agreements. One snag has already come up with Andhra Pradesh strenuously resisting NTPCs demand for a guarantee from the RBI to adjust its dues against Central budgetary support to the state.