Power cuts back to haunt industrial sector in Vizag
VISAKHAPATNAM: Due to the shortfall in power generation, the Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) is again implementing unscheduled power cuts in its region. All the industries have been directed to limit power usage to 30 per cent from 7 pm to midnight.
Due to the low power allocation, the APEPDCL officials say that the unscheduled power cuts are inevitable given the poor generation. Due to the overhauling and other maintenance works, two (500 x 2) MW units have been shut down at the 2,000 MW capacity Simhadri Thermal Super Power Plant of NTPC, Paravada.
During the past four days, the earlier power cut timings are being implemented in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East and West Godavari districts. According to officials, the average power allocation is 1,500 MW while the demand is over 1,700 MW.
'There is no option but to impose power cuts to balance power and demand. However, there is no change in the timings which were announced in summer,' a senior EPDCL official said.
As per the previous timings, in Visakhapatnam city, the power cut is for a duration of two hours in two phases, while in the municipalities it is four hours in two phases. In rural areas, power cut is being imposed for six to eight hours in two phases. However, the official added that the power cuts were being imposed only during daytime.
Admitting the severity of power crisis, the official said as there was no impact of the monsoon, the power consumption is the same as in peak summer.
'To ensure uninterrupted power supply at nights to domestic connections, we have directed the industries to minimise the usage of power to 30 per cent from 7 pm to midnight. More restrictions will be imposed in the future,' the official added.
News Posted: 23 August, 2014
|
.gif)
