Chennai: With power situation improving drastically with commencement of wind season, industries and wind generators are awaiting lifting of power restrictions on high-tension industries and commercial consumers. Industries were hoping for early lifting of power restrictions but the model code of conduct enforced by the Election Commission for R.K. Nagar by-election came in the way. Last year, Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on May 27 announced lifting of power restriction and control measures imposed on all consumers from June 1. Unlike last year, the state’s power situation had improved with the commissioning of new power projects.
“We have written to the government saying that in the view of the improved wind power generation, power restrictions should be lifted. So far there is no response from the government,” Tamil Nadu Electricity Consumers Association president D. Balasundaram told DC. He said compared to last year, this year power situation is far better and additional capacity had come into operation. With wind power generation picking up, the government should immediately lift the restrictions without further delay.
At present, Tangedco has imposed a 90 per cent power cut during peak hours for high tension industrial and commercial power users. This peak hour restriction will mean that they are permitted to use only 10 per cent of the demand and energy quota between 6 pm and 10 pm. During non-peak hours, the utility will impose a 20 per cent power cut on the users. A wind power generator said Tangedco had been backing down wind mills in the beginning of the wind season itself due to less power demand following widespread rains across the state.
“If the power restriction on industries were not lifted immediately, the wind power will go waste,” he said noting that in the last two years, almost six billion units of wind power were left untapped. The government should immediately move the Election Commission to lift power restrictions, the private producer said. Sources in the government said the EC’s permission had been sought to lift the power restriction imposed on the HT and commercial consumers. “As and when EC gives permission, the power restriction will be lifted,” sources said.
