Chennai: The India Wind Power Association (IWPA) has challenged the decision of TN Generation and Distribution CorpÂoraÂtiÂon (Tangedco) to purchase 2,122 MW thermal power on long-term baÂsis overlooking abundaÂnt wind power available during monsoon period.
According to IWPA chairman K. KasthuÂrirÂangaian, the association has appealed to the AppÂellate Tribunal for ElecÂtricity (APTEL) against the Tamil Nadu ElecÂtricity ReÂgulatory ComÂmÂÂission’s order allowing power purchase.
“We are not against TaÂngedco purchasing thÂerÂmal power on long term basis to meet the power shortage faced by it. But we are opposed to purchasing the power during the wind power season from May to SepÂteÂmber by backing down windmills. We want the availability of wind poÂwer to be factored in while buying power,” he told Deccan Chronicle.
Wind power producers alleged that this year, Tangedco backed down winÂdmills, which rescuÂed the state from power cuts during the peak wind season, for over eight to 22 hours following availability of power from new thermal power stations and less demÂand. Tamil Nadu has a total wind mill installed capacity of over 7,000 MW.
However, KasthurÂirangaian said that TNÂERC had accepted the Tangedco’s argument that wind power was infirm in nature and the association has no locus standi on the issue.
The appellate tribunal has accepted the wind power association’s petition against the TanÂgeÂdco’s decision and posted the case for hearing on January 21, he said.
