6 Jun 2012 Hindustan Times (Chandigarh)Vishal Rambani [email protected]

‘There’ll be no power cuts this summer’
For all those dreading power cuts in the ensuing paddy season, words of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited chairman - cum- managing director KD Chowdhry are sure going to give some relief. Reiterating that there will be no power cuts this summer, Chowdhry said imposing cuts would be a loss-making proposition for PSPCL, as it has already made elaborate arrangements to ensure an uninterrupted supply.

Excerpts from an interview

What is the present financial condition of PSPCL?

Through reforms, we have been able to curtail our losses and from a whopping Rs 1,700 crore, these have come down to Rs 250 crore. Similarly, advance purchase and building a power bank has reduced our burden to quite an extent. Though we are still facing a problem in terms of working capital, the intervention of the deputy CM has got us Rs 100 crore as advance subsidy for power purchase in summers.

You had promised a power-cut free summer, but the residents are still facing shortage? You failed to keep your promise.

Believe me, there is no power cut because of shortage. We have made elaborate arrangements for the summer by purchasing 2000 MW power. We stand to lose if we fail to draw it and supply it. We have bought it for Rs 3.91 per unit and PSPCL will get higher rates from industry for supplying this power. So, why would I impose cuts if I have power? It will turn out to be a loss-making formula. People are also saying that there would be power cuts after the local elections. But, I assure you that there would be no power cut. Factors like breakdown or load can affect the supply, not shortage. We are purchasing Rs 6,500- crore worth of power this fiscal.

But the urban areas, especially Mohali and Ludhiana, are still complaining of power woes?

Let me clear it, PSPCL has not imposed any power cuts. However, for a consumer each disruption is a power cut. What they don't understand is that a disruption can be caused because the system is unable to take the load, as the system needs augmentation to cope with the increasing load in a few cities. Roughly calculated, air-conditioners consume 1000 MW power, which is too steep for Punjab. We are imposing load shedding in certain areas so that there is no major disturbance.

Whether it’s load factor or technical snag, the residents are suffering? What is the solution?
The residents are equally responsible. You install an AC or other high power-drawing equipment, but don't bother to get the load increased from PSPCL. Punjab demand has increased by 10%, but only a few citizens have got their load corrected.

If every citizen reports the actual load honestly, PSPCL can install more feeders and lay new transformers to meet peak load requirements of that particular area/feeder.

Nonetheless, we are working on it. Our work on augmentation of rural feeders and resolving overloading problems is complete in almost 60% of the area. For instance, in Ludhiana, the demand increases by 20% every year. However, the augmentation of the entire distribution system will be completed by end of 2013.

There is a fear of scant monsoon. Would it create problems for you in the paddy season?

Don't worry at all. In anticipation, last week only we purchased additional 500 MW. PSPCL will provide eight hours uninterrupted power supply to farmers. However, if the monsoon fails throughout India, it would create some problem for us. Even with average monsoon, we will meet all requirements this year.

But, you have failed to keep the promise of making Punjab power surplus?

Punjab will soon become power surplus. Talwandi Sabo unit will surely meet the previous fixed deadline. By 2014 end, we will definitely be power surplus, as the Goindwal and Rajpura plants are set to meet deadlines of commissioning. By end of 2015, we will start selling power and Punjab will become pioneer in power sector.

Power engineers were accusing PSPCL of favouring private firms for power generation plants?

Rest assured, the next power plant in Punjab would be government's. As per plan, we need an additional unit by 2017 and by then, we will surely set up a unit.