1,600 Mws from Naptha Jakhri to imrove power situation

New Delhi, May 6 (UNI) The government today said that the power situation in the northern Indian states will ease with the Nathpha Jakhri plant agreeing to give 1,600 MWs of power to the region reeling under severe electricity shortage.

'' With 1,600 MW electricity becoming available from Natpha Jakhri in Himachal Pradesh, the situation should improve,'' Power Secretary R V Shahi said after a top level meeting with State Power Secretaries of northern Indian states including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttaranchal.

The centre has also decided to seek surplus or excess power from captive power producers, Mr Shahi said adding that by May end power from Tehri and another 250 MW from Rajasthan wind farm will be evacuated to power strapped norther regions.

Mr Shahi said that power utilities have been asked to defer their maintenance shutdown period to tide over these peak periods.

There would be another meet of the power secretaries of northern states presided over by the centre to review the situation on May 31.

In Delhi ''the additional power availability will bring down the shortfall to 300 MW from 450 MW earlier,' Delhi Power Secretary Rakesh Mehta said.

Power Secretaries said that they would help the centre in maintainng grid discipline and reduce wastage of power and reduce peak demand.

The Power Secretary said the cooperation of the people is needed to tide over the crisis and withdrawal of electricity beyond the limits would attract a penality of Rs.5.70 per unit.

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