With the reforms withheld, the state is hard pressed to meet the growing demand of power, which was around 550-600 MW in 2000 and 1200-1250 in 2006 (January 1). Since the state government-run two thermal power plants produced 210-230 MW against their installed capacity of more than 2000 MW, Jharkhand was purchasing 267 MW on an average every day from the Central sector — NTPC 230 MW, Ranjit Hydel 8 MW and Chukka Hydel 29 MW.

Despite this, the state is perpetually in short supply of around 550-600 MW. ‘‘The problem intensified whenever any state-run plant tripped or transmission and distribution lines suffered faults’’, said K Vidyasagar, former secretary (Energy). Incidentally, on June 8, the generation at the Patratu Thermal Power Plant had dipped to zero.

In this grim scenario, the people are being forced to bear the brunt of power cuts in Ranchi and its adjoining areas of Palamau, Garha and Latehar districts. Said an official: ‘‘Politicians have their own compulsion in blocking the reforms. But without reforms, uninterrupted power supply in this state will always remain a dream.’’