Maharashtra govt to purchase power from private players
India Today
The Maharashtra government on Friday decided to buy power from private players as the power demand is at its peak in the state. At present, there is a shortfall of 1,500 MW in power demand and supply.
The power demand is at its peak in Maharashtra as the mercury is rising day by day. The state government on Friday decided to buy power from private players. State energy minister Nitin Raut said that the current demand for electricity is 28,700 MW and could go up to 30,000 in June. At present, there is a shortfall of 1,500 MW in power demand and supply.
The issue was discussed in the cabinet meeting to ensure that there is no load shedding in the state and 24 hours power supply. The state cabinet has approved the purchase of electricity. It will be available at a lower rate than the center rates.
This decision will cost Rs 100 to Rs 150 crore rupees. Last year, the expenditure was Rs 192 crore.
Raut said authorities are working everywhere in the country to get coal. The country's coal minister and energy department are working together with us.
Coal reserves, on the other hand, are declining as demand for electricity increases. Sometimes railway tracks are not available for coal. Only 17 TMC of water is available in Koyna. Electricity costs ten to twelve rupees. But now there is no electricity in the market. In Gujarat, power is cut off one day a week, Raut said.
Raut said that the state had signed an agreement with the company for 700 MW at Rs 5 per unit.
Energy Minister Nitin Raut added said that the heat wave is in the state, due to which the transformers are failing due to rising heat in it. Now, when there is a power crisis, it has to be taken from private companies.
