Mercury rises, but peak power demand remains low

TANGEDCO officials said that Monday’s total peak demand would be calculated only by 11 pm when lights would be switched on. Sunday’s peak demand was considered high as it was a holiday. 

Higher temperatures result in more air conditioners being switched on and this would increase peak demand further, they averred. However, officials are at a loss to understand on how to battle rising temperatures tripping transformers despite the coil winding inside being given enough insulation and padding. 

“We have enough installed capacity to overcome rising temperatures due to the Kathiri season, but what is problematic is tripping by transformers. Electricity Board officials will ensure that consumers do not suffer much in the heat by responding immediately,” an official stated.

Monday’s power consumption stood at 300.986 MU (million units) with solar power contributing with 1,367 MW the previous day. However, depleted storage in the corporation’s hydro units has resulted in only 66 MW being drawn as against the installed capacity of 2,308 MW. 

Power purchased from captive power plants (CPP) was only 14 MW against the installed capacity of 986.5 MW. Similarly, power used from domestic captive power solar plants (wheeling) stood at 701 MW against the total capacity of 2,142 MW. With the state recording the maximum peak power demand of 15,343 MW on April 29 last year, officials are happy that the same trend was not seen this year. Rains in the rest of the state and drought, which ensured that power pumps were not used, are said to be one reason for the current low peak demand. The state boasts of a total installed capacity of 18, 104 MW.