The power consumption in Telangana did not see any abnormal spike after the introduction of the ambitious 24x7 free supply to the farming sector from January 1, as a new year gift.
The data on power consumption from January 1 to 10 vis-a-vis the corresponding period in 2016 and 2017 did not show any abnormal increase in the consumption because of 24x7 supply. Year on year 15 to 20% increase in consumption is normal and the figures so far did not exceed it.
“So far, the rate of increase in power consumption is not out of line compared to last two years when there was no round-the-clock availability,” sources pointed out.
For instance, till January 10, the increased consumption did not go beyond 16%. On Jan. 4, the demand and supply was 130 million units (MU) in 2016, 157 MU in 2017 and 182 MU this year. It fell to 177 MU on January 8.
The government has been watching the consumption pattern after the 24-hour power supply came into effect amidst speculation and concerns in some quarters that the government’s decision may lead to indiscriminate withdrawl of ground water.
There were also reports of rapid ground water depletion in some districts, particularly Sircilla district, where the decline was the highest.
“It is premature to link ground water table to free 24-hour power supply to farm sec tor. Water table falls every year and rises depending on quantum of rainfall in that year,” sources said.
It is just over a week since the 24-hour power supply started.
One should at least wait for few weeks, at least a month to establish any dramatic change in the power consumption.
No concerns
So far the data on demand and supply of power does not warrant any concern, sources added.
The free power supply programme was launched after due diligence and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao held many meetings with senior officials, superintending engineers of Energy Department of all the districts.
“Sufficient home work has been done on all aspects, including farmers’ behaviour. The feed back has been positive so far,” official sources said.
In fact, with 24 hour power supply availability, water will be better utilised as farmers have the comfort of drawing to meet exact requirement for the crop, they said. With Kaleswaram and other irrigation projects expected to release water for the next kharif season, the dependence on ground water is bound to come down is what many believe.
Then power consumption in the agriculture sector may actually come down, in spite of 24x7 power supply, sources believe.
