In the present scenario, the State has an average surplus of 1,200 MW of power.
With total lockdown in force due to coronavirus (COVID-19), power demand is on the wane and is likely to go down further, feel experts. In the country in general, energy consumption has slowed down.
In Odisha, energy consumption on March 17 was 79.56 Million Units, which dropped to 74.67MU on March 24, said official sources.
Energy Secretary Bishnupada Sethi held a review of power demand and availability situation vis-à-vis the approaching summer. It was revealed that the State’s average demand during March is 3,300 MW which fell to 2,750 MW till March 19-20 due to stormy weather condition in some parts.
The demand increased to 2,950 MW on March 21 but was again reduced to 2,770 MW on March 22 due to the Janata Curfew. On March 24, the demand increased to 3,064 MW. But it is expected to go down from now onwards due to the lockdown.
The lockdown has resulted in closure of small industries and market complexes, leading to less power consumption.
The State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) is forced to back down the State thermal generation even some times reduce the hydro generation. However, the backing down depends on the quantum of power exchanged through trading by the Gridco.
