Bengaluru, Jul 22 (PTI) The KPCL on Wednesday said it has stepped up thermal power generation to ensure adequate and reliable electricity supply across the state amid a decline in hydropower generation caused by deficient rainfall.
As part of its efforts to meet the State’s power requirements, Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) is currently generating an average of 84.34 million units of thermal power every day in July and is taking measures to further increase daily generation to 100 million units in the coming days, the corporation said in a release.
KPCL is stepping up thermal power generation to ensure reliable electricity supply across the State amid declining reservoir levels and reduced hydropower generation. The Corporation is maintaining its thermal power plants in optimal operating condition and taking proactive measures to further augment generation, with a target of increasing daily thermal power output to 100 million units in the coming days, it said.
Energy Minister K J George has already reviewed KPCL’s power generation activities and directed officials to take necessary measures to ensure generation in line with demand, it said.
During this monsoon, particularly in July, there has been a significant increase in both coal supplies and power generation at the State’s three thermal power plants, the KPCL said.
As a result, an average of 84.34 million units of thermal power is being generated every day. During July last year, the average daily generation stood at 54.47 million units, it added.
“As per the directions of the chief minister and the energy minister, thermal power generation has been increased to offset the shortfall in hydropower generation. Steps are being taken to maintain 100 per cent availability of thermal power plants and achieve a daily generation of 100 million units of electricity,” P Rajendra Cholan, Managing Director of KPCL, said.
With hydropower generation declining, the State may have to purchase electricity from other States to ensure uninterrupted supply, it said. “This would place an additional burden on the State exchequer. To avoid this and generate more electricity within the State, the thermal power plants have been made fully operational and prepared for increased generation,” the statement added.
“Along with ensuring the efficient operation of thermal power plants, additional coal stocks are also being maintained,” George said.
At the Raichur Thermal Power Station, an average of 24.45 million units of electricity is being generated per day in July this year, compared to an average of 13.12 million units per day during July last year.
At the Ballari Thermal Power Station, an average of 33.64 million units of electricity is being generated per day, compared to 25.35 million units per day during July last year; while at the Yermarus Thermal Power Station, an average of 26.25 million units of electricity is being generated per day, compared to 16 million units per day during July last year, the statement said.
Measures have already been taken to increase coal stocks to facilitate higher power generation at thermal power plants, the KPCL said. This year, coal stocks sufficient for 15 days have been maintained, and steps are being taken to increase the stock to a level sufficient for 20 days of operation. To achieve this, arrangements have been made to receive 17-18 coal rakes per day, the corporation said.
Whereas, during the corresponding period of last year, coal stocks only sufficient for 12 days of generation were maintained, it added. PTI KSU ADB
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