First Time Ever, 4 Mahagenco Plants Shut As Rains Reduce Power Demand

For the first time in the history of the state-run generation power comapny Mahagenco, it
has completely shut down four of its seven power plants. The total generation has gone
below 2000 MW, which has also happened for the first time. The reason is no deman for
power from state-run discom MSEDCL.

according to maharashtra electricity regulatory Commission’s merit dis-patch order,
MSEDCL has to buy cheap power first before going in for costiler power. As the rate of
generation of Mahagenco is higher than some private, the company has taken a beating.

A Mahagenco official said all the units of Koradi, Khaparkheda, bhusawal and parli plants
were offile. “Even though MSEDCL increased power supply to agricultural consumers from
eight hours a day to 12, it has not helped. Heavy rains in many parts of the state has
reduced demand for power. Farmers are not required to use their pumps. The demand has
increased during Ganeshotsav, but now the extra demand is no longer there.

Presently, the total maximum demand is in the range of 13500 MW, which is quite low,” an
official said.

The official added that hte parli plant was closed down last year due to water shortage.
“Now there is water in its feeder dam to run tow units but we are unable to start them due to
lack of demand,” he added. Last month, Mahagenco had started all the five units of the 1340
MW khaparkheda power plant but had to close all of them down within a few days.

A MSEDCL official said demand also gone down due to increase in solar and wind
generation. “The wind is strong during the rainy season and hence wind power generation
has gone up. Many people are going for our solar rooftop policy and this too is gradually
reducing our demand,” he said. Read More…