THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the onset of summer, there is a possibility of a power crisis in the country for the next two months, but the central government has advised that there should be no load shedding in any state. For this, an order has been issued as per Section 11 of the Electricity Act.

Coal-fired power plants should operate at full capacity from 16th to avoid a power crisis. All plants must store sufficient coal. Railways informed the Center that railway rakes are available for transporting coal. Center also suggested that NTPC's gas plants be used if the power demand increases again.

Last year, problems in coal mining caused the power crisis. This time consumption was more than expected. Although 40 million tonnes of coal were stockpiled to tide over the crisis, production fell to 31 million tonnes in February itself. In the current scenario, 45 million tonnes of coal will be required. With this the crisis became imminent.

Concerns with 2 markets

States are concerned that the Center has opened two types of markets in open source to avoid load shedding. So far the limit was Rs 12 per unit. But the Center has also allowed another market to sell improved power, generated using naphtha and imported coal. There, up to 50 rupees per unit can be charged. There is concern that if the shortage worsens, they will have to buy electricity at such a high price.

With the onset of summer, electricity consumption in the state also increases. 88.20 million units were used last day. Only 47% of the total water capacity is there in the Idukki dam. This is the lowest water level in six years. At this time last year, it was at 70% capacity. All major dams hold 51% capacity. In April last year, consumption stood at 92.88 million units. The production in water reservoirs is only 15.7 million units per day. The rest of the electricity is brought from outside. As higher prices have to be paid for it, if consumption is not reduced, the rates will have to be increased.

'There will be no power cut for two months. Efforts are being made to avoid buying power at huge costs by efficient utilization of hydropower and contract power. People should cooperate by reducing the consumption from 7 to 11 pm.'

- Minister K Krishnankutty

Production in the country- 1,25,726 million units

Consumption in March -1,35,921 million units

Power deficit -10,000 million units

Expected consumption

April- 1,42,097 million units

May 1,41,464 million units