IPL ‘stirs’ up power consumption in Tamil Nadu

Usually such a high consumption is seen only during dog days which begin in May and the surge in the use of electricity is attributed to a large number of people throughout the state remaining glued to their television sets to watch the protests against IPL which started early and the match which ended at midnight. 

The consumption level had almost neared the 345.6 million units recorded in April 29 in the year 2016, a TANGEDCO official here said. The power consumption is expected to soar further during May when the summer heat and IPL fever rises. However, TANGEDCO is confident of meeting the requirements since the power generation is also high compared to the previous years. The organisation is producing around 14,000 MW of power during April and the central grid is supplying over 5,260 MW, while the thermal power stations are contributing about 4,500 MW. During the previous years, the average power generation in the month of April was 2017 was 15,240 while it was 15,343 in 2016. In 2015, the power generation was 13,720 and it was 13,775 MW in 2014. The average daily production in April this year is 14,600 MW. 

TANGEDCO is relying on major thermal projects in Mettur and Kundah, besides the supply of 2,000 MW from Kudankulam. In Mettur, the four units are generating 210 MW each, while Kundah project produces 600 MW of power. In Kadamparai, the power generated is 595 MW, while Adhani solar unit in Kamudhi produces 648 MW. The Thoothukudi thermal unit is producing 1050 MW and the present sources could help TANGEDCO keep it afloat till the wind power generation begins in June-July when the south west monsoon sets in.