An estimated power deficit of 2000 MW stares at Andhra Pradesh, even as the maiden government of the residuary State takes its reins.
Of the 10000 MW power available in the combined state, Andhra Pradesh gets 46.11 per cent, i.e., 4611 MW. As the demand for 2014-15 is pegged at 6600 MW, the net shortfall is approximately 2000 MW.
While division of assets between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh took place on the basis of population, consumption was made the yardstick only when it came to power sector.
“The high power consumption in and around Hyderabad gave a skewed picture and brought down the allocation to Andhra Pradesh”, says K. Ranganatham, former Joint Managing Director of AP Transco.
His forecast is made based on two assumptions, one, the growth in demand will be 10 per cent and two, the line losses estimated at 16 per cent. As the demand can not be brought down, especially for a State that is set to witness robust growth in its nascent days, it is imperative for the State to do whatever is required to bring down transmission losses.
In the 13 districts, the installed capacity of renewable energy sources is 1216 MW, with wind accounting for 663 MW and solar 57 MW, the rest comprising mini hydel, biogas and others.
Anantapur and Kurnool districts, which have been detached from APCPDCL Hyderabad and tagged to the Tirupati-based AP Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) post-bifurcation, are the likely game-changers, as the two have been identified as ideal for solar and wind power generation.
The Capacity Utilisation Factor (CUF), i.e., the extent to which the facility can be utilised to generate power, is pegged at a mere 18-19 per cent for the renewable sector. “Though wind is generated more only during May-August and solar power can be drawn only in 250 days a year, encouraging the two will go a long way in ensuring self-sufficiency”, Mr. Ranganatham said.
Speaking to The Hindu , he said the power policy needs to be given a re-look.
Of the 2600 MW expected to be generated from various thermal stations by January 2015, the share of AP is 1196 MW.
There is no tangible assurance from the hydel and gas-based units as of now and hence it is essential for the new government to give incentives to the renewable sector, especially solar, where the payback period is 5-7 years.
