The AP Transco has announced enhanced duration of power cuts for domestic consumers and others following tripping of three thermal units and closure of a hydel plant, resulting in an abrupt loss of 1,076 MW of installed capacity to the grid which is equivalent to 20 million units per day.
Two units of Rayalaseema Thermal Power Station at Muddanur in Kadapa district, each with of 210 MW, and the 500 MW fifth unit of the NTPC’s super thermal station at Ramagundam in Karimnagar district tripped.
The State’s share out of the tripped Ramagundam unit was 160 MW.
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On the other hand, AP Genco shut down four out of the six units of Jurala hydroelectric project as inflows into the reservoir began dwindling. Only 78 MW out of the total capacity of 234 MW was being operated now.
The Transco on Friday said it was forced to resort to unscheduled increase in power cuts to keep the frequency (voltage) of the transmission lines at the required level and ensure the safety of the grid.
At present, power cuts are being implemented for one hour in Hyderabad, two hours in other cities like Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Warangal for more than two hours in mandal headquarters towns, and for most part of the day in villages.
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Overall demand
Meanwhile, the overall demand in the State hovered at 262 mu on Thursday while the power utilities could supply only 243 mu.