Power dearth in TN forces load shedding

Once again, Tamil Nadu faces an acute power shortage, with the dismal performance of electricity generating stations demanding the implementation of load shedding across the state.

The power situation in the state deteriorated rapidly from November, 2013, due to the shortage of nearly 2,500 MW, from various power suppliers, including the National Thermal Power Corporation, BHEL, Indian Oil Corporation and Coal India Limited.

Currently, Tamil Nadu receives only 777 MW, out if its share of 1,113 MW, from the Neyveli Lignite Corporation. “The total loss of generation at the Central Generating Stations, joint venture unit of the NTPC, BHEL projects and the Independent Power Project, dependent on naphtha from the Indian Oil Corporation, works out to be approximately 2,500 MW,” a senior official from the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) told Deccan Herald.

He said that the shortfall had forced TANGEDCO to resume the two-hour load shedding schedule in the city on Monday.

To satisfy the state’s energy needs, TANGEDCO has installed stations capable of generating 10,237 MW of power.