Power crisis: Punjab may come to State's rescue

PPCL has offered to supply power up to 700 MW to Karnataka

However, with crisis gripping all the southern States, Karnataka’s neighbours too are vying for the offer.

The power crisis has deepened in the State due to the shortage of coal for the Raichur Thermal Plant. The non-availability of power from private players, even at costs fixed by them, has worsened the situation. PPCL is offering 500 MW during the day and 200 in the night.

The bid is finalised. “PPCL’s offer is 700 MW, but we have bid for 200 MW for day and night. We will get it by October 16,” said a top official in the power department.

Exchange offer

This proposal has come as a exchange offer to the State. “As there is reduction in Punjab’s agriculture load, they will give us the power. We may have to return the power when our agriculture load is reduced,” said an official source. Tamil Nadu, which is also facing a severe power shortage, too is in the race to procure Punjab’s power.

Compared to other states, Karnataka is in a better position, said official sources. The recent consumption by Andhra Pradesh is 260 million units (mu) per day, while Tamil Nadu is consuming 240 mu and the State’s consumption as on September 28 is 140 mu.

Price fluctuations

He said though availability of power is not a problem, three states bidding for power will lead to price fluctuations. The constraint in corridor for transmission of power is also a matter of worry, which influences cost of power per unit.

For instance, the price of power at 8 am was Rs 4.80 per unit, by 12 noon it was Rs 4.86, it was Rs 4.75 by 5 pm and at 8 pm it was Rs 8.01.

When asked whether permission from Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission was required for exchange of power, official sources said it applied only for power being purchased at a higher cost, but not for exchange of power.