Nelaturu plant may supply 800 MW from October

Efforts on to complete the 2nd phase in the next two months. Efforts are on to complete the second phase of this plant at the earliest so that another 800 MW will be made available in the next two months. This is part of the government’s ambitious plan to ensure zero power cut in the State from October 2.

The Electricity Department officials are pinning high hopes on the availability of 800 MW from October, with the 2nd phase of the Nelaturu Genco power plant in Nellore district being expected to be completed soon.

Being taken up in two phases (2x800 MW), the Genco plant has already started operation in the first phase on a trial basis. The power generation has reached 300 MW and full capacity would be reached once coal linkage and conveyer belt works are completed.

Efforts are on to complete the second phase of this plant at the earliest so that another 800 MW will be made available in the next two months. This is part of the government’s ambitious plan to ensure zero power cut in the State from October 2.

Zero power cut

“We are yet to receive guidelines on power cut-free drive. But, generation in Nelaturu plant will certainly help to minimise load shedding further,” said N. Nagasayana Rao, Superintending Engineer, Transco, Nellore district.

The department’s immediate aim is to ensure quality power supply by addressing overload problems, replacing faulty transformers, recovering arrears and ensuring transparency.

Demand-supply gap

The overall demand of the Nellore district is 11.6 million units (mu) per day while the supply is put at 10.16 mu per day.

Of this demand, 25 per cent comes from agriculture sector, 35 per cent from industry and the remaining 40 per cent from commercial, domestic and other connections.

Further, the Transco has set up a toll-free number 1800425155333 to address issues such as transformer failures and their replacements.

Power dues

Meanwhile, the electricity officials have proposed to recover dues amounting to Rs. 90 crore from consumers through correspondence. They have also written to the government as various departments and offices have power dues nearly Rs. 50 crore. “We are not disconnecting supply to the defaulter connections as this would inconvenience people. The dues may be cleared at the government level, once the correspondence is taken up,” said Mr. Nagasayana Rao. The small and medium industries, farmers and others owe Rs. 40 crore to the Transco.