The state faced unprecedented power crisis on Thursday when the Obra (1,382 MW) and Anpara (1,630 MW) thermal power plants tripped causing a near total stoppage of power generation in the state.

The incident occurred at 10.30 am when the 400 KV Obra-Panki power transmission line tripped due to a technical fault. Within few minutes, the Obra-Anpara transmission line also tripped. The power generation of the UP Power Generation Corporation plummeted to mere 350 MW. The fault in the two transmission lines was rectified after around six hours.

Of the 10 units at Obra, only six units — three of 200 MW each, two of 50 MW each and one unit of 94 MW — are operational, the rest has been closed. All the five units of Anpara A and B are functional.

The tripping of the power generation at the two major thermal power plants almost threatened the collapse of the Northern Regional power grid.

“Drop in power demand due to recent rains saved us from a disaster,” said an official of the UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL).

According to the official, a major crisis was averted as the protection mechanism worked in the 2,000 MW power plant of the NTPC at Singrauli, located in the nearby Sonbhadra district.

To tackle the situation, the power Corporation imposed emergency rostering and power cuts were also implemented at all district and divisional headquarters, rural areas and industries.

Power supply in Lucknow, Allahabad, Agra, Noida, Varanasi, Meerut and railway traction was maintained with the heavy import from the Northern Regional power grid.

... contd.