Date:28/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/28/stories/2008082854590400.htm

New Delhi

Capital seeks Centre’s help to stave off power crisis

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: As the Capital continued to battle oppressive heat and prolonged power cuts on Wednesday, the Delhi Government went knocking at the doors of the Union Power Ministry asking it to step in and stave off a power crisis.

Reeling under power cuts from under-frequency, low generation of power and no supply from the Damodar Valley Corporation, the Capital has been relying on the extra power being drawn from the Northern Grid.

Delhi Power Minister A.K. Walia has sought the Centre’s intervention in helping the city get 400 MW of power from the DVC, as was assured. He has also directed the Capital’s power distribution companies to formulate a long-term plan to overcome the problem of power shortage.

“Situation improving”

Reviewing the power situation on the second day of power cuts, the Minister claimed that the situation was improving and blamed the 170 MW of shortfall on plant shutdowns. He was, however, critical of the DVC for failing to supply 400 MW of power to meet Delhi’s demand. Fearing a bigger crisis in the ensuing months, Dr. Walia wants the Centre to direct the DVC to resume supply. He has also asked for implementation of strict measures to overcome frequent and habitual over-drawal of power from the Northern Grid by various States. On Wednesday, several areas across the Capital faced power cuts. The generation at the city’s power plants was not enough to meet the demand, and the Power Department had to overdraw about 400 MW from the Northern Grid.

The shortfall during peak hours was 376 MW and the overall shortage was 531 MW. “We are expecting the Pragati power plant to resume production late at night. All units of Rajghat and I.P. Station have resumed production,” said a Power Dept. official.