Despite obtaining approval three months ago from the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission to procure 2,000 MW of power through tie-ups with other regions as a medium-term measure, APTransco is failing to do so. While severe power shortage in the state was anticipated well in advance, even a transmission corridor was not tied up. Now with the power crisis mounting, APTransco is making desperate attempts to purchase power from other sources, but does not have corridor availability to support the move. Until now, only about 800 MW of power has been tied up.
The APERC had approved procurement of power by investing over Rs 1,000 crore until May 2012 and Rs 6,000 crore per annum from June 2012 to May 2016. Also, the Southern Region Power Committee had agreed for an extra transmission corridor that paves the way for importing 500 MW from other regions, which is far below the requirement.
Meanwhile, the power deficit is growing quickly in the state and officials indicate that corridor availability constraints may interfere with the tie ups even if they are made. Shortage of gas has once again resulted in widening the power deficit, which has stabilised to around 40 MU during April. The deficit is expected to double within the next two weeks given the current power demand in the state. “The gap is expected to widen soon as the peak time deficit is crossing 90 MU and if the situation persists we do not have additional corridor even to make alternative arrangements,” an official said.