Tamil Nadu loses power from central grids

But the delay in commissioning of the identified system strengthening in southern and western region by the power grid corporation has resulted in the state getting mere 150 MW as against expected 1,208 MW from August 1.

The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) has signed long-term power purchase agreement with 11 power generators to procure a total 3,330 MW of power for 15 years till 2028. Of the 11 power plants, eight plants were located in NEW grid alone would supply 2,158 MW and rest of the quantum of power would be generated in the three plants in the state.

The southern grid was linked with NEW grid following the commissioning of the first line of Raichur-Sholapur corridor on December 31 last year while the second line was commissioned on June 30 this year. Power grid has initially agreed to allow import of 2,000 MW of power from western region to southern region from August after the commissioning of two 756 kV line between Raichur and Sholapur along with the 18 associated transmission system (ATS) in the SR and WR.

However, of the 18 ATS works only seven works were completed and remaining works are in various stages of commissioning, sources in power grid said, adding that some of the works have been held due to severe right of way issues.

Sources in the Tamil Nadu government said that commissioning of 765 kV Kurnool Thiruvalam line in November this year would help improve inter regional transmission capacity to the state. The 765 kV Raichur-Kurnool line and a 765 kv/400 kV substation would also be commissioned shortly, the official said, adding that another 400 kV line between Nellore and Thiruvallam would also be commissioned in November this year.

“The expected commissioning of the these inter regional lines in the state by the power grid will help in increased import power from the NEW grid,” the official said.