Patiala, November 26 ,2020 : Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) CMD A.Venu Prasad disclosed that thermal power plants in Punjab have started generation of power in the state. Shri A.Venu Prasad said that dreadful situation and apprehensions of public about the possibility of black out in Punjab was averted due to the timely decisions taken by PSPCL.
CMD said that despite nearly 2 months ‘Rail Roko’ agitation by farmers in Punjab, Punjab State Power Corporation limited has managed the entire situation without any load shedding on commercial and industrial consumers, though minimum possible demand side management was carried out by way of curtailing power to Agriculture sector and through minimum possible imposition of power cuts on domestic consumers.
CMD said that due to ‘Rail Roko’ agitation by farmers when the coal stock position of within State Private Thermal Power Stations dwindled to zero. It was thus apprehended that there could be a possibility of a black out or at least partial black out in the Punjab paralysing the already crippled state economy. Thermal plant’s depleting coal stock was causing enormous pressure on the power sector of State and allay any public fear about a possible black out.
CMD said that in a power system, the basic principle is to maintain balance between the demand and supply for ensuring safe and secure operation of Grid. The lack of within state generation resulted into a challenging situation to maintain balance. This mismatch can endanger grid security.
He said that due to late sowing of paddy crop and an extended dry spell during the month of September and subsequently in October, caused the paddy season demand to extend till about second week of October. It is pertinent to mention here that at this point of time PSPCL usually returns the power it had availed during the paddy season, any failure to do so would have dented the reputation of State/PSPCL throughout the country. Also due to lower reservoir levels in hydro power stations their generation was considerably less this year. The catering of demand during the month of November when the festival season is in full swing was also of utmost importance.
Er.DPS Grewal director distribution said that Punjab State Power Corporation Limited has arranged power from outside the State by way of procurement of power through power exchanges, through DEEP portal at Ministry of Power, GoI and also full power was availed from its quota of share in the centre sector power stations. All possible opportunities at hand were explored and utilized to avail power in order to cater to the State’s demand. The pool created after availing power through various possible options led to very optimal and competitive rates. Timely and foresighted actions by PSPCL helped to manage the crisis with reasonable success .PSPCL arranged maximum power of 2600 MW aggregating 1606 MUs @ Rs.3.09 per unit from power exchanges and quantum of 1435 MW power aggregating 392 MUs @ Rs. 3.05 per unit DEEP portal.
At professional front a challenging task was at the hands of PSPCL to run the power supply smoothly, especially given the fact that there was uncertainty as to how long this crisis would prevail which could have been few days/ weeks or even months. This uncertainty was a hindrance to plan and arrange for the shortfall in power in an optimal manner.
