MahaGenco generates record 10,445 MW on Tuesday

The state government-run Maharashtra State Power Generation Co Ltd (MahaGenco) achieved the highest-ever record power generation in its history by generating 10,445 MW during the evening peak hours on Tuesday.

Proper coal and fuel management are said to be a key factor behind the record generation, state Energy Minister Dr Nitin Raut said on Wednesday.

Raut said he focused on the maximisation of generation by using coal in a judicious manner and periodic review of the situation.

He asked the officials for optimum utilisation of the plant load factor (PLF) to the capacity of at least 95 per cent while the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has set the benchmark of PLF to 85 per cent.

The suppliers provided coal as per the norms and warned to take action for the violation of the agreement.

When he took over the charge as an Energy Minister on January 6, 2020, MahaGenco generated 6,821 MW including 4,804 MW from thermal plants.

However, on March 9, 2021, it reached 10,445 MW including 7,991 MW from thermal plants. The thermal power generation has almost doubled in one year.

"I am constantly emphasizing on effective fuel management, adequate stock of coal, preventive maintenance to prevent breakdown of the generation sets. Efforts are also made to reduce the cost of generation. It will help to reduce the tariff", said Dr Raut, a senior Congressman.

In the month of March, there has been a steady rise in the performance of MahaGenco.

On March 5, nine thermal power plants in the state set a record by achieving at least 90 per cent or more PLF.

“Breaking the earlier record of 10,098 MW generation on May 20, 2019, it generated 10,445 MW on 9 March including 7,991 MW thermal, 264 MW wind, 2,138 MW hydropower and 50 MW by solar power. It was the highest power demand of Mahavitaran was 22,129 MW and total the state power generation was 16,429 MW,” a MahaGenco statement said.