DNA Money Edit: Let there be light, always

Growing demand for electricity due to rising mercury levels amid a sudden drop in power generation is disrupting normal life in some states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Power utilities are reporting a drop in generation owing to coal shortage and lack of adequate water in hydropower reservoirs. It has forced several state-run electricity distributors to introduce load-shedding in the festive season.

Maharashtra seems to be at the receiving end as demand for power has shot up to more than 20,000 mega-watt. The state-run Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd is forced to start load-shedding, of nearly 3,000 MW, as the state gears up for the Navratri festival. The rate of power at the power exchange has touched a whopping Rs 15-16 per unit.

The ongoing festive season and the increased agricultural activity coupled with the dry spell seemed to have worked in tandem to precipitate an unprecedented situation. The state government's move to provide a new connection for pumps to more than 2.5 lakh farmers may have intensified the crisis. Several power plants are under forced shutdown due to lack of coal supply. The situation got aggravated as output from wind and hydropower dropped.

The government needs to improve the coal supply to power plants on a war-footing basis and avoid all impromptu load-shedding. The drop in temperature in North India will surely help the power scenario improve.