Even before the peak summer of ‘Kathiri’ began, electricity demand in the State hit an all-time high at 15,191 MW at 6.50 p.m. on Wednesday.
The previous all-time high demand was registered at 14,969 MW on April 15. This year has been hectic for power managers with all-time high demand crossing the 14,000-MW mark in the past three months. The last recorded peak demand was 13,775 MW on June 24, 2014.
An official of Tangedco said the record demand was because of various load factors, including air conditioners and agricultural pump sets.
“Normally at this time of the year, agricultural load would be less but with ground water available in plenty, electricity supply for pump sets are being maintained on an average of 14 to 16 hours per day,” he said.
Data available in the State Load Despatch Centre show all power plants, including hydro, thermal, wind and solar, have been running to full capacity. The official said Tangedco’s thermal stations are almost generating 4,200 MW every day operating at more than 90 per cent plant capacity along with the Central generating thermal stations. Helping with meeting the electricity demand are hydro stations pumping more than 1,000 MW, wind units producing 800 MW and solar units generating 500 MW a day.
Officials pointed out that the long-and medium-term power purchases have helped Tangedco to maintain uninterrupted power supply.
When asked whether the electricity demand would rise further in the coming months, officials said the demand has almost stabilised around 15,000 MW and that they do not foresee the maximum demand crossing the mark.
Previous all-time high demand was registered at 14,969 MW on April 15
