Load shedding in more areas in Maharashtra

Mumbai, July 11 (UNI) In view of acute power shortage in Maharashtra, more areas in the state will now be covered by load shedding due to the increasing demand for power, Chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said today.

There will be uniform one hour load shedding in Thane, Vashi, Baramati and Pune, where hitherto there was zero load shedding, and in MIDC industrial areas it will be for 24 hours, instead of 16 hours earlier, Deshmukh announced at a meeting to review the power situation in the state at the Sahyadri Guest house here.

The delay in rains has led to increase in demand, Deshmukh said, saying at present, 8500 MW power is available in the State whereas the demand is of 12,000 MW.

''Every year during rainy season, there is demand of 10,000 MW power. But due to delay in rains for the last 15-20 days, the demand has increased. Directives have been issued today itself to increase power supply from Ratnagiri Power Gas to 600 MW'', he said.

Mr Deshmukh said due to good rainfall in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Gujarat, the demand of power was less in these States.

Hence, at least 350 MW power can be supplied from the National Grid.

In order to get additional gas, talks will be held with Union Petroleum minister Mr Murli Deora, he said.

Efforts are being made to make available 150 MW more power due to load shedding in these areas.

UNI JM OBB PDT AS2112