Chennai: The state government has announced lifting of all restrictions on power supply pinning its hope on long-term power purchase of 3,330 MW in addition to capacity addition through new generation projects. The state is expected to get 1,208 MW from August 1 as part of its the long-term power purchase.
Along with the capacity addition from the new power projects, the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) has signed long term power purchase agreements to the tune of 3,330 MW for 15 years to tide over the deficit of over 4,000 MW faced over a period of time.
Tangedco had signed power purchase agreements with 11 power generators to procure a total 3,330 MW of power for 15 years till 2028. Of the 11 power plants, eight thermal plants were located in the North East West (NEW) grid and three in the state itself. Three plants in the state have a generating capacity of 1,162 MW while the eight units in NEW grid supply 2,168 MW. Sourcing of power from the plants located outside the southern grid depends on the grid availability.
Though the Tangedco’s had requested for long term access (LTA) from four units in NEW grid to SR grid for sourcing 1,208 MW power from February 1 2014 to September 30, 2028, Power Grid has granted LTA for 208 MW capacity from June 1 and for full capacity from August 1 onwards, according to sources in Tangedco said.
The quantum of 1,208 MW power would be sourced from Ind-Barath (500 MW), Jindal Power (400 MW), DB Power (208 MW) and Balco (100 MW). As for as the thermal plants located in the state, IL&FS Tamilnadu Power Company Ltd in Cuddalore and Coastal Energen Private Ltd in Thoothukudi would supply 540 MW and 548 MW to the state grid. Both the projects are in advanced stages of commencing generation, according to sources.
With the assured supply of power, the Tangedco could rest assured of supply when the wind power generation recedes in October, said a Tangedco official. “Now we are supplying power to the state without imposing any load shedding in any part of the state. Even after the end of wind power season in September, we are optimistic about meeting the demand with our own generation capacity, purchase, share from central generating stations and new power projects,” said the official.
Besides, the state would also get its share from the NLC-Tangedco joint venture project in Thoothukudi, which is expected to be synchronised with the grid by next month, the official pointed out.
