Invoking power Act does little for grid

The invoking of emergency powers under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003, making it mandatory for all power generators to sell their power to the state grid, has made hardly any difference to the power scenario in the state.

Confronted with the worst power crisis ever faced, the government had issued orders in this regard on April 3, after the state high court upheld its stand on exercising powers under Section 11, citing high electricity consumption in the month of April and May.

Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa maintained that the basic idea of invoking Section 11 was to get power generators to operate and maintain the generating stations to their maximum exportable capacity, and not just force them to compulsorily supply power to the state grid.

Yeddyurappa said the government is taking a slew of measures to mitigate power shortage, which includes maximisation of generation from various units. A senior energy department official said the government was forced to invoke Section 11 as some sugar factories and private generators were reluctant to sell power to the state at a price between Rs 3.50 and Rs 5 per unit, as they got better offers (Rs 8-12 per unit) from other states.

On the prevailing crisis, particularly in Bangalore city, Bescom managing director Tushar Girinath said, "Karnataka has experienced a reduction in power availability from its share of the central generation stations. Against an allocation of 1,500 MW daily, on an average, about 1,200 MW is being received, resulting in a shortage of 300 MW per day.'' Besides, there has been frequent tripping at Raichur and Bellary thermal plants due to extra-load factor.

He admitted that it was one of the worst crises Karnataka is facing on the power front. "We are doing all we can, but things are going beyond our reach,'' he added.
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