Pre-monsoon showers reduce demand for power

Demand comes down from 20 million to 14 million units, Cesc officials

Widespread showers in the region has not only brought respite to the people from the summer heat, but has also reduced demand for power under the limits of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (Cesc).

Cesc covers five districts — Mysore, Mandya, Hassan, Kodagu and Chamarajanagar. “These districts have received good rainfall since two weeks, bringing down the demand for power from 20 million units to 14 million units,” said Kiran D, Managing Director of Cesc, speaking to Deccan Herald.

Due to the availability of rainwater, farmers are not switching on irrigation pump (IP) sets, which consume more power. The pleasant weather has made even households to reduce the use of air-conditioners (ACs) and coolers.

Under the jurisdiction of Cesc, 42 per cent of the power is consumed by farmers, which is either provided free of cost or under some subsidy scheme, he added.

Kiran mentioned that the showers has helped to cut down on load-shedding, given that there is ample power with the Cesc.

Cesc largely depends upon wind, hydel projects, thermal units, biomass and private generators like sugarcane industries for its power needs. Though power generation by various sources has not stopped, hydel power generation has been ‘reduced’ drastically. Water in power generating units has been stocked for the future, said Bhagya Naik, Director (Technical), Cesc.

“If rains continue in the coming days, there will be a further decline in power consumption,” he added.

Rain damage

Kiran said, Cesc has incurred huge losses during the pre-monsoon showers as it brought down some electric poles and has damaged power-lines and transformers. “However, we have solved most of the problems,” he said.