Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Oct 8: In the past, less-than-normal rainfall used to be a cause for worry for the power sector of the state, as low levels at the reservoirs automatically meant a marked reduction in power generation, necessitating frequent power cuts. For a change this time however, heavy rains have resulted in the nose-diving of the power generation.

The coal stocks at the Raichur Thermal Power Station have become unusable, having been drenched in water. As a result, four units of the station have stopped functioning, for want of quality coal. Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation has accordingly, decided to enforce power cuts all over the state except Bangalore, till the situation improves.

The power station at Raichur has another problem on hand. The railway line laid for bringing coal to the station has been washed away.  Till it is repaired and relaid, it is difficult to get fresh stocks of coal.

To manage the situation, energy minister K S Eshwarappa has ordered all the hydro electric generating plants in the state to maximize their power production, as water levels at all the reservoirs are almost at the peak and inflow of water has been good.