KSEB monitoring North-East Monsoon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The KSEB is keenly monitoring the North-East monsoon which is proving crucial for its plans for a potentially rough 2012 summer. Hydel generation in the state had switched gears to conservation mode with the KSEB trying to make up for over-dependence on hydel reservoirs during the recent power crisis.KSEB had regulated hydel generation to 19-20 million units (MU). During the crisis, which hit the state by September-end, the daily hydel share had spiralled above 30 MU against the planned 22 MU.“It is expected that the NE monsoon would be active up to November 15. We have 80 percent storage capacity in the hydel reservoirs. If rainfall increases, we will have to increase the hydel generation as the dams may get filled. Otherwise we will have to cut down,” M Muhammed Ali Rawther, member (Transmission and Generation Operations) said.Supply from central generating stations had improved considerably. During the crisis that hit Kerala by September-end, following problems at Talcher and Ramagundam power stations, Kerala had fallen short of 350-550 MW. Now, Kerala is receiving 850-900 MW, which is closer to the pre-crisis days. “Consumption levels are also down to manageable levels with the mercury falling,” Rawther said. Kerala is also getting 100 MW from private traders and 150 MW from NTPC’s Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Project (RGCCP)in Kayamkulam. In October itself, the KSEB had noted that overdrawal from hydel stations could add up to a potentially dangerous situation. In an order on scheduling 150 MW from the RGCCP, Kayamkulam, the KSEB noted that enhanced  levels of hydro generation was not sustainable and might lead to faster depletion of storage levels in the reservoirs. “The inflow to reservoirs during October was less than anticipated and urgent measures were required to maintain the reservoir levels to meet the huge summer demand,” the KSEB noted.