Undeclared power cuts in urban areas of MP

Jabalpur, Jan 6 (UNI) Undeclared power-cuts have become the order of the day in urban areas of Madhya Pradesh that is facing a demand-supply gap of 1,000 MW due to a spurt in the requirement for facilitating irrigation in the Rabi season, official sources said.

At present, power supply was 5,900 MW against its demand of 6,900 MW.

Sources said power crisis aggravated as one unit at the Tarapur Atomic Power Station was shut, while other was generating limited power. A unit of a gas-based power house was also shut since the past week.

Besides, 210 MW-Vindhyanchal Power House's unit no 3 had been closed since December. Power generation was also affected with water-level in the Sardar Sarovar Project being increased in order to examine machines. These reasons led to a shortfall of about 400 MW.

Power would be supplied in rural areas for scheduled time keeping in view the importance of irrigation. The Madhya Pradesh State Electricity Board (MPSEB) was making all-out efforts to balance power demand and supply.

Thermal and hydro power stations in the state were generating 2,450 MW presently, while 1,500 MW was being received from the central pool.

Indira Sagar and Sardar Sarovar projects were providing 550 MW.

In view of the Rabi season, consumers would be provided 1,100 MW power by purchasing additional power.

Pointing out that it was over-drawing power in order to meet requirement, the MPSEB had urged consumers of different categories provide cooperation.

UNI