Monsoon shortage might effect power generation in state

Thiruvananthapuram: A drastic shortage in monsoon rainfall and subsequent fall in inflow to dams, the lowest in the last 10 years, is likely to affect power generation in Kerala, state government said Monday.

"There has been a drastic drop in rainfall this monsoon compared to previous years, due to which only 58 per cent of water inflow than expected has been received in dams for power generation. This is the lowest inflow to dams in the last 10 years," Power Minister Kadakampally Surendran said here.

As this would effect power generation, the state has already taken steps to purchase 150 MW to overcome the anticipated shortage, he said, replying to the debate for grants for power department in the assembly. The minister said the governments objective in the power sector was to have all houses electrified by March 2017.

A Rs 10,000 crore project TransGrid-2 will be implemented to modernise transmission lines using the latest technology. Funds for the purpose would be made available from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board, he said. Besides, it was also planned to set up 400 KV sub-stations and 24 220 KV sub-stations in next five years. Governments objective was to make Kerala self-sufficient in power in the next five years, he said, adding that the Centres new power policy meant that the state cannot expect more electricity from the Central power grid.

As a first step, work of the now defunct power generation projects would be revived, he said adding nearly 300 MW additional power would be generated in the coming years. On conventional power generation, he said steps would be taken to complete a 50 MW project in the first phase in one year, which is being taken up as part of the 200 MW solar power park at Kasargod. Tender process for purchase of additional 200 MW solar power also was in the final stages, he added.