Orissa to face power crisis for poor rain

With water level in most of the major reservoirs falling due to deficit rain in June, Orissa is likely to face yet another power crisis as the quantum of electricity generation in hydel projects had started declining, official sources said today.

"The state could face power problem if there is inadequate rain by July first week," energy secretary PK Jena said adding that about 60% of the state's power requirement was met from hydro-power.

Meanwhile, the water resource department had already cautioned the energy department against electricity generation at different hydel projects in view of low storage of water.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik had been apprised about the situation arising due to about 40% deficit rain in June, sources said.

The state requires about 3100 MW of power during peak hour of which about 1100 MW electricity came from hydro power stations, sources said adding the situation could be worse if there was insufficient rainfall in upper catchments area of major rivers.

In an ideal situation, peak generation from hydel projects was about 1600 MW. However, mostly due to inadequate water storage in different reservoirs, the quantum of electricity generation was limited within about 500 MW.

The state's energy department was apprehensive that it could again become necessary to regulate power supply if the situation persists, sources said.