Expect more power cuts this summer

The Dabhol power plant that supplied 650 mega watts of power to Maharashtra has developed a major snag, reducing power supply by 300 MW. It could take over three months to repair the unit, reports Dharmendra Jore.

The Dabhol power plant that supplied 650 mega watts of power to Maharashtra has developed a major snag, reducing power supply by 300 MW. It could take over three months to repair the unit.

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The Dabhol Power Company is now called the Ratnagiri Gas and Power Pvt Ltd (RGPPL) and is being run by a group of state companies. After its restructuring three years ago, RGPPL was to supply its entire output of some 2,100 MW to the state by end of 2008. But it has been missing deadlines due to repair delays.

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDC), which caters to a few eastern suburbs besides Thane (urban and rural), Navi Mumbai and the rest of the state, is buying extra power to mitigate the extra gap. But during summer, the daily deficit could cross 4,000 MW.

“We have to send the equipment for repairs,” said RGPPL managing director Anil Ahuja, adding that finances would have to be arranged too.

MSEDC chief Ajoy Mehta said his company had nothing to worry as long as the demand was low. “But things may become difficult in the summer,” said Mehta.