For the third time this month, the state Government has announced more power cuts for cities and rural areas. The state-run Central Power Distribution Company of AP Limited has even issued an advisory to consumers to minimise their use of air conditioners, electric cookers etc, and opt for power saving tube lights. A once-a-week power holiday has also been forced upon the industries, as the state reels under frequent and long power cuts.

The scanty rainfall has led to a fall in hydel power generation as well. The Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGENCO) is the third largest power utility in the country in terms of its installed capacity (6760.9 MW). Its hydro installed capacity of 3586.4 MW is the highest in the country. However, the lack of rains has drastically reduced hydel power generation, leading to a crisis that only threatens to worsen as the dry spell continues.

Energy Minister Shabbir Ali Mohammed says that the state is facing a shortage like never before. He says that against a demand of 175 million units, the state is able to procure only 155 million units from all the available sources. With water levels in the reservoirs falling, hydel power generation is only 14 million units against the usual 45 million units, he claims. In June-July 2007, the hydel power generation was 48 million units per day. He says that the scanty rainfall and the extended dry spell have triggered this crisis.

The Met Department says that the situation may continue for some more days and unless cyclonic systems develop over the Bay of Bengal, the state will not receive adequate rainfall.

... contd.