Already reeling under the potable water shortage, a power crisis, too, looms over Maharashtra this summer.
The water crisis has affected power generation as two state-owned thermal power plants — Parli (1,130 MW) in Beed district and Koradi (620 MW) in Nagpur district — are shut. Chandrapur (2,340 MW) and Khaperkheda (1,340 MW) in Vidarbha are running at half their capacity.
The state’s hydro power plants with an aggregate capacity of about 2,500 MW are generating just 150-200 MW due to low water level in the dams.
A Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MahaGenco) official, on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the development.
“A couple of months ago, we were running our Parli plant at half capacity but with increased water shortage that plant has to be shut completely. Similar problem is being faced with a few other plants,” the official said.
“At present there is no such problem of power supply in the state as enough power is available from the central grid and the power exchange. However, if the state did not receive proper rain this monsoon, it would be a matter of concern for thermal power plants.”
Mahavitaran sources said the state discom is well prepared to arrange power supply in the state.
