Drop in temperature hits power generation

Drop in temperature hits power generation Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 16
With the onset of winter and fresh snowfall in the upper reaches of the state, the power generation has dipped, forcing the Power Development Department (PDD) to impose extra cuts.
Due to the change in weather conditions, the rivers feeding water to the hydroelectric projects are witnessing a sharp decline in the water level, causing lesser power generation.
All the powerhouses located on the Chenab, Jhelum, Indus and Ravi rivers are facing shortage of water, as the water channels have started freezing.
Talking to The Tribune over phone, PK Kaul, chief engineer, Baglihar Power Project, said: “The water level in the river has decreased, causing rapid decline in the generation. Earlier the generation was around 450 MW, and now it has been reduced to
360 MW.”
He said with the start of winter, the generation would be hit further. “The generation began to decline from October 11 onwards. In the peak of winters, the total generation of this powerhouse goes down to 150 MW, which means 300 MW lesser than its capacity,” Kaul added, terming it the winter effect.
At present, the state requires 1,500 MW power, and the decline in power generation has sent PDD officials into a tizzy. This change in power scenario has also increased the worries of industrialists, who are already fuming over the hike in power tariff.
“The erratic power supply and unscheduled power cuts are proving to be a bane for us. If the situation does not improve in a few days, the industrialists will have no other options but to shut down their units,” said Gautam Singla, an industrialist at the Gangyal area here.
Worried over the decline in power generation, chief engineer, PDD, Shahnaz Goni has appealed to the public to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary usage.