Date:30/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/30/stories/2008083054710400.htm

New Delhi

Sheila orders discoms to stop load-shedding

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Ordering an end to power cuts in the Capital due to load-shedding, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday asked Delhi’s power distribution companies to pull up their socks and make arrangements for procuring adequate power.

Reviewing the power situation in the city, the Chief Minister asked the discoms to take necessary steps to ensure there was sufficient power supply to meet the city’s demand during October and November.

With plant shutdowns to carry out maintenance work planned for this period, the city is likely to face power shortage during the two months.

Losing out on 400 MW from the Damodar Valley Corporation and an additional quantum due to plant shutdowns, the Power Department has decided to put off the maintenance work of some of its own plants.

“It has been decided that instead of carrying out the maintenance work of Pragati Power Plant during October, the work will be now be carried out in December. This will help in reducing the power crunch. Also, 200 MW of diesel power was procured from NTPC for meeting Friday’s demand. If the need arises, this power will be purchased at a later date again,” said a Power Department official.