People over economics with this motto, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has been implementing several schemes. He formed government in a power deficit state which is self-sufficient state today. However, post bifurcation Andhra Pradesh became power surplus. But it took three years for Telangana to seamlessly meet peak demand. The strategy of the state government with timely decisions and faultless implementation, Telangana achieved a milestone of around 9350MW this summer. In 2014, the total installed capacity was 6,574 MW and power shortage was at 2000 MW.
Despite the huge demand, the Government is successfully providing uninterrupted power supply for domestic, commercial and industrial needs and also for schemes like Mission Bhagiratha. As the CM says, “The story used to always revolve around – Invertor, Convertor, Generator and stabilizer. But now these businesses are in losses or shutdown as we are self-sufficient”
Power requirements are fulfilled based on – firstly the states own installed capacity, secondly long range or medium range PPS agreements which are generally made for 6months to a year and thirdly day to day open access power. The open access power, enables the government and industries to purchase power from other merchant power sources and from the spot exchange based on the need.
Industries are increasing transformer capacity
Industrial consumers faced power holidays of up to three days in a week and no supply during peak hours before 2014. Due to the changing power dynamics in the state, businesses started trusting the government which has been providing round-the-clock supply. This boosted confidence in commercial communities who are increasing their transformers power consumption capacity. The open access offered to industrial consumers enabled them to purchase power at less expensive prices from other merchants based on the load.
Agriculture and Lift Irrigation Projects
The agriculture sector gets nine hours of power in two spells which is also supported by the solar power capacity. This demand from the rabi crop as such reduced from 10April and within few days the load will decrease. The demand will probably be reduced to over 8,000 MW.
To execute the Lift Irrigation Projects, the state would need totally 9000-10000MW power. The state is likely to go ahead with open access for the lifts. For river Krishna, the water should be lifted quickly as the water is available only for short period while for river Godavari water is available for 6months so there is time for the water to be lifted. For short period lift and urgent lifts, day and night power supply will be available. But for long period lifts, the night power which is cheapest offered for around 2rupees will be used. Then there is a peak season lifts for few months where both day and night power will be supplied.
TRS government’s strategy to meet changing demands
Post bifurcation, the demand in Telangana alone was more than the combined 23districts of AP. Generally power consumption grows at 8to10percent. But due to the increasing transformers capacity and lift irrigation projects, the government is anticipating that the demand will increase to around 20to25percent. They are making preparations on similar lines and expects the capacity to be about 16,306 MW. Kothagudem power station is going to be around 800MW while in Badradri power station, 2unit production around will take place by next year. From NTPC 4000 MW, 800 MW more from Singareni Collieries, 4000 MW from Yadadri, 800 MW from central generating stations will be generated to meet the target.
Purchases from Chattisgarh for 2000MW
1000MW PPI with Chattisgarh government is about to be finalised for around ₹3.90 paise per unit which is cheaper than the average cost of power supply in the state. The interstate lines are managed by Power Grid corporation of India Ltd(PGCIL) where in the state government has to buy a slot. Based on the first PPI, another 1000MW was also purchased by the TS government. This is the least expensive, power bought from government. Since there can be no exploitation in that government to government agreements, the additional power will help the state to meet the demands of LIS.
Five Power Grid lines to help connect
The Raichur–Solapur 765 kV power transmission line has less capacity and no slot for Telangana. The Angul-Palasa line has less capacity but there is no slot for Telangana. However, Tamil Nadu has slot in this, but since it is self-sufficient, if needed the state government can purchase. The Wardha-Dichpally double-circuit transmission line, facilitates import of power mainly from Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister asked PGCIL to complete works of Warangal-Varora and Raigarh-Pugulur lines. With these five lines, it will be possible to coordinate power demand and supply across the country.
Solar and Hydel Power
The government is determined to double the generation capacity of solar power which is about 1800 MW now. PPAs have been signed with the developers to increase the installed capacity to about 3,800 MW of solar power by June 2018. In addition, the State expects to add 90 MW from hydel power