Necessity of more power The state has been experiencing acute power shortage due to the increased demand for electricity and occasional failure of monsoon. As per the 17th Electrical Power Survey, the power demand in Kerala (peak load) is expected to be 3528 MW by the end of 11th plan i.e. 2011-12 and 4574 MW by year 2016-17. The present installed capacity of KSE Board is 2229.6 MW only and considering the 70% utilization of installed capacity, the Board is going to face a serious power crisis in near future. As per the present power consumption pattern, the gap between peak load and off peak load is reducing. At present, no major hydro electric projects are in execution stage for meeting the increasing demand. Also non-availability of transmission corridors is a constraint for further import of power even if it is available from outside state. Also the proposed evacuation plans of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) are generally for transmitting the surplus power to Western and Northern regions and not for transmitting the power to Kerala. Over the years, the per capita consumption in Kerala has shown a significant increase in view of industrialization and increased usage of electrical household goods, improved economy. In view of the increased demand for electricity and occasional failure of monsoon, the State has been experiencing acute power shortage and hence the need for additional source of power generation is badly felt to fill the gap between generation capacity and energy availability. The Board has to resort to import power from Central sector projects and also to buy power from other power generating utilities from neighbouring States to meet the demand of power. To meet the growing demand of power, Kerala State Electricity Board has planned to increase the generating capacity by adding more generating plants in the system. The LNG Terminal at Vypeen, Cochin of M/s. Petronet LNG Limited is expected to be operational by first quarter of 2012. Moreover, natural Gas Grid by Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) connecting Cochin is expected to be completed by 2014. Hence a proposal to establish a 1026 MW LNG based Thermal Power Plant at Brahmapuram, Kochi, is being considered by the Board.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Aug 2013 03:49:22 +0000