Breakdown in NTPC-Kaniha plant leads to disruption of power in south

Talcher, Mar 26 (UNI) In a major breakdown at NTPC-Kaniha plant near here, four out of six 500-MW units tripped yesterday paralysing power supply to the Southern states completely, official sources said today.

Not a single unit had been restored so far despite all efforts.

These units were constructed in NTPC-Kaniha second phase expansion which ended in 2004, they added.

Sensing the gravity of the situation and first-ever major breakdown in the country's largest power station, Eastern Region Executive Director S R Yadav and two senior officials from NTPC corporate office have rushed to the site to help restore poer supply.

These power units are considered as a vital life line for four Southern states - Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Kerala and Pondicherry.

NTPC-Kaniha plant named Talcher Super Thermal Power Plant was constructed in two stages. The first phase of 1000 MW commenced production in 1995 while the 2000 MW power second stage completed in 2004 is totally dedicated to Southern Grid.

Since the daily production from these four units are nearly 2000 MW of power, the NTPC would be likely to suffer heavy loss in terms of finance following the breakdown, officials said.

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