DC | R. Ayyappan | 3 min 58 sec ago
Thiruvananthapuram: Southwest monsoon has grown weary and consumption has shot back to drought levels but the total storage in the state's reservoirs is inching surely towards the record figure of 10,000 MU. As a consequence, a financially-distressed KSEB will be freed from its dependence on costly power for a long time to come.
As on September 3, five months after the rain year 2013-14 began on April, the cumulative inflow in all the state’s reservoirs is 6018 MU, and there are 270 days to go. Last year same time, the storage was a measly 2115 MU.
Even on September 3, 2007-08 - the best rain year in KSEB history - the storage was only 5432 MU. The rain year 2007-08 currently holds the record for the best total whole year inflow at 9742.75 MU. It is felt that 2013-14 will reach the storage figure of 10,000 MU with many days to spare.
The unprecedented inflow into dams has been aided by a surprisingly heavy monsoon. Since June 1, the state has received 1845.8 millimetres of rain, which is 40 percent more than normal. The rains were so bountiful that in August 1064 MU were generated, 85 percent more than what was originally estimated. “This clearly means that the Board need not have to resort to purchase from costly power sources,” said A.R. Satheesh, Carborundum Universal general manager.
Not a single unit of power, therefore, is being scheduled from costly diesel and thermal stations like RGCCP, Kayamkulam, Brahmapuram Diesel Power Plant and Karnataka Power Corporation Limited. These entities charge on an average RS 11 per unit. Excess generation has also allowed the Board sell power at high rates in open market. Over 1500 MU have been sold at over Rs 5 during August alone, fetching the Board a whopping RS 750 crore.
States: Kerala
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