Northern Grid overloaded
Umesh Dewan
Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 12
The fall in hydro-power generation in some northern states has affected the power scene in Punjab. As of now, Punjab has about 45 lakh units of power les than it had in the corresponding period last year.

Last year, Punjab had got 45 lakh units from Nathpa-Jhakri, which has now dipped to 20 lakh units. Likewise, from the Dehar power station, Punjab is getting 40 lakh units of power daily compared to 60 lakh units received by the state last year.

Because of the fall in hydro-power generation, the load on the Northern Grid has gone up with the grid frequency fluctuating between 49.2 and 49.8. Sources say this has resulted in power cuts in some districts.

Also, the power corporation is unable to provide the promised 8-hour supply to farmers in some areas.

The corporation authorities say that with snow in the higher reaches yet to melt, there is less water in the dams as compared to last year. This has subsequently hit hydro-power generation.

However, PSPCL Director, Distribution, Arun Verma, says there is nothing to panic and that the corporation has made arrangements to ensure uninterrupted power to all categories of consumers.

The frequency of the Northern Grid, which includes Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, J&K, UP, Rajasthan and Delhi, is at present less than 50. Officials say it is important that all states ensure that the load is reduced.

Some of the districts that are facing power cuts are Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Bathinda. In several districts, farmers are getting a mere six-hour power supply instead of eight hours as assured by the authorities before the start of the paddy season. But Verma says there are no cuts and there may be power failure because of overloading.

Nod to gas plant

Chandigarh: Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Tuesday gave his approval to a gas-based 1000 MW power plant in collaboration with the Gas Authority of India (GAIL) at Ropar.

Initially, a unit of 330 MW would be set up and subsequently two more units would be added, depending on the success of the first one. The project is seen as financially viable with 150 acres of land already available for it in the vicinity of Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Plant at Ropar and an assured gas supply from the Dadri-Nangal pipeline.

The CMD, GAIL, told the Chief Minister that the 3500 MW shortage in the state could be catered to by the project by 2014-15.