Power demand surge mounts pressure on thermal stations

With the onset of summer, pressure is mounting on thermal power stations in Kalyana Karnataka to generate more power to meet the electricity demand in the state.

Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS) at Shaktinagar, Yermarus Thermal Power Station (YTPS) at Yermarus village and Bellary Thermal Power Station(BTPS) at Kudatini all combined contribute about 40 per cent to the total power generated in the
state.

Venkatachalapathy, executive director, RTPS told DH that the state requires about 140 MU a day now.

“We are generating power as per the requirement of Load Dispersing Centre (LDC). The RTPS has a total installed capacity of 1720 MW from its eight units. It has generated about 28 million units from the seven units on Tuesday as against the 12 MUs to 20 MUs generated till mid February.”

“Unit 8 has remained shut since April last due to generator winding problem and is likely to begin power generation soon. The electricity demand has increased from the last week of February. The load will be reduced when more solar and wind power is available and we will run the units to optimum level during the peak hours,” he explained.

Shashikanth, executive director, YTPS, said that the power station had two units with each unit having the installed capacity of 800 MW. “Unit 1 has been shut down due to boiler tube leakage. Unit 2 has not been generating power from last December due to generator replacement work. Unit 1 will begin generation soon and the second unit will take time as generators need to be replaced and is likely to be synchronised by June or July,” he added.

Meanwhile, two of three BTPS units are generating power. Of the three units, Unit 1 with generating capacity of 500 mw has been shut since January 5 owing to technical issues. The remaining two units - Unit 2 with installed capacity of 500 MW, and Unit 3 with the installed capacity of 700 MW are generating power as per the requirement. “On Tuesday, the station has generated about 16.85 MUs,” said BTPS executive director Narendra Kumar.