TNEB gearing up for more power in summer

By J.V. Siva Prasanna Kumar

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Electricity Board is gearing up to face increase in demand for power during the summer. "Even before the summer has approached we have started taking stock of the situation and will take appropriate measures to meet the demand," a TNEB official said.

Speaking to this newspaper on Wednesday, the official on condition of anonymity said the present requirement of about 8,000 Mega Watt (MW) was likely to go up in the coming months and this would have to be met by stepping up additional generation.

Pointing out that top officials in the department would review the situation, he said the TNEB would evolve a plan to manage any crisis that may arise.

"We successfully managed the situation last summer by ensuring uninterrupted supply and this time too we will cross the Rubicon when it comes," he said adding the resources from hydro power projects would first be tapped before the quantum of water recedes.

The additional requirement would also be met by stepping up generation through captive projects and private producers may add upto 15,000 MW over next five years. Wind energy is another potential source that would be harnessed and in addition the TNEB will cope up with the increased demand for electricity through its new projects on the anvil.

In all likelihood, the State may not sell its surplus power to Punjab and instead may buy from other States for internal consumption and to ensure uninterrupted supply.

The State has a generating capacity of 10,011.84 MW power excluding the board's wind-mill capacity of 19.355 MW. The four thermal power stations account for 2,970 MW, four gas turbines: 424.280 MW, 37 hydro projects: 2,137.4 MW, independent power projects: 1101.16 MW, Central share of 2,841 MW, 360 MW external assistance and 178 MW from captive power projects.

Private wind farms have a capacity to generate 3180 MW. The Board's gross generation during 2005-2006 was 56,006 Million Units and the total energy consumption during that period was 43,795 MU.

E.o.m. 21.02.07.