Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Sept 11: The state government announced Friday it would resort to power cuts after water levels in major reservoirs plunged sharply following a deficit monsoon.
“Power cut is necessary in the wake of low level of water in major reservoirs, especially in southern Orissa,” energy secretary Suresh Mohapatra told mediapersons Friday. “The state is facing a shortage of 400-500 megawatts in power generation,” he revealed.
Mohapatra said though the state needs an average of 3,500 MW of electricity per day, the requirement shoots up to well over 4,000 MW during peak hours.
Sources from the energy department said there will be a one-hour power cut at the very least in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri daily, while other urban areas across the state are likely to face a minimum power cut of two hours per day. Rural areas can witness power cuts for prolonged hours, it is learnt.
The energy secretary said Gridco has been instructed to direct the power distribution companies (discoms) in the state including Nesco, Wesco and Southco to properly announce and publish the time and duration of the power cuts in their respective jurisdictions.
Energy officials said major water reservoirs such as Indravati, Upper Kolab and Balimela in southern Orissa have 27 per cent and 40 per cent of water respectively. Besides, repairs at a few hydro power generation units has also added to the crisis.