The power utilities of Telangana are gearing up to provide nine-hour supply to agriculture sector in a single spell during day-time from April next by commissioning Bhupalapalli and Jaipur (Singareni) thermal power plants with 1,800-MW capacity by then.
The transmission and distribution companies have also taken up the work on augmenting the infrastructure required for supply of nine-hour power to the farm sector with an estimated Rs. 648.22 crore.
The works include providing new and interlinking of 33-KV lines with bay extensions, laying new transmission lines and installing new power transformers.
Infrastructure expansion
Official sources stated that the augmentation of infrastructure includes laying of 230 new transmission lines for a length of 1,894 km, installation of 328 additional power transformers, enhancement of capacity of 313 existing power transformers and capacity addition. The utilities are planning to complete the work at least by February-end next. The demand of power, now ranging below 125 million units (MU) every day, is likely to go beyond 150 MU once the consumption of power for rabi crops under tubewells picks up from December, the sources said.
Successful trial run
“The second-phase of Kakatiya Thermal Power Station at Bhupalapalli (600-MW) is ready for commissioning after successful trial run, during which generation up to 105-MW was done and linked to the grid.
It will be commissioned anytime during the next fortnight, depending upon Chief Minister’s availability for the purpose,” Chairman and Managing Director of Telangana State Power Generation Corporation Ltd (TS-Genco) D. Prabhakar Rao told The Hindu .
It would take at least four days to reach the peak capacity of generation once the plant goes on stream, Mr. Rao said adding that the works on Jaipur thermal project of Singareni Collieries were also progressing as per schedule. It was being planned to trial run the first unit of 600-MW in January next and another unit of 600-MW two months later.
The two Discoms in Telangana were modifying the power purchase agreements drafted during combined Andhra Pradesh administration to suit the needs of the new State. Mr. Prabhakar Rao ruled out the possibility of sharing the two plants’ power with AP stating that the latter had no standing on that since it had annulled several PPAs, denied power from Lower Sileru and Krishnaptnam.
Power utilities of Telangana are gearing up to commission Bhupalapalli and Jaipur (Singareni) thermal power plants with 1,800-MW capacity by April next
