Amid Rising Electricity Demand And Protests, TN Taps Generators, Open Market

(MENAFN- IANS) Chennai, Sep 13 (IANS) Tamil Nadu has moved to purchase an additional 2,000 MW of electricity from power-generating companies and the open market after prolonged hot weather and weak wind generation placed the state's electricity network under pressure.

The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) initiated the emergency procurement amid a steep rise in consumption and reports of supply disruptions in several districts.

The corporation expects the additional power to help bridge the demand-supply gap and maintain uninterrupted distribution. The action follows public complaints about unannounced outages lasting up to an hour in some areas.

Residents also staged protests at several places, alleging load-shedding without advance notice and demanding immediate measures to restore reliable electricity supply.

Explaining the situation, Electricity Minister R. Nirmalkumar said a sudden fall in wind energy production had caused a power shortage in Tamil Nadu for two consecutive days. He said similar supply constraints had affected several states and were not confined to Tamil Nadu.

The Minister said the electricity required to bridge the deficit was procured from the common power supply pool on Friday evening. Following the procurement, the power supply across Tamil Nadu had stabilised, he added.

In a statement issued on Saturday, TNPDCL said summer-like weather had continued much longer than anticipated this year, pushing electricity consumption considerably higher. The persistent heat increased the use of air conditioners, fans and other cooling appliances in households, commercial establishments and offices. At the same time, lower wind speeds adversely affected generation from wind energy installations, an important source of electricity for the state during this period.

The fall in wind power availability also led to technical problems, including occasional voltage fluctuations in parts of the distribution network.

TNPDCL said arrangements were being made to secure an additional 2,000 MW from different sources so that the widening gap between supply and demand could be managed effectively.

The corporation is also monitoring the electricity network and demand pattern to prevent further disruptions.

Officials said power availability would be reviewed regularly and additional purchases would be made whenever required.

TNPDCL assured consumers that all necessary steps were being taken to maintain stable supply and minimise inconvenience while weather conditions and wind generation remained unfavourable.

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