-SATISH HANDA
Haryana Power Generation Corporation (HPGCL) was incorporated as company on 17 March 1997 and was given the responsibility of operating and maintenance of State’s own generating projects. The business of Generation of power of erstwhile HSEB was transferred to HPGCL on 14.08.98 pursuant to power reforms in Haryana as a result, HPGCL came in existence for bringing in excellence in power generation in the states own Generating stations. In addition, it has been entrusted with the responsibility of setting up of new power plants in the state having power plants in Panipat, Yamunanagar, Hisar and Jhajjar districts.
Information reveals, production of electricity in Haryana state identified as 2582.40 Mega Watt (MW) recording 19.76% share from own plants apart from 856.15 MW electricity from Bhakra Beas Management recording 7.05% share, 3027.66 MW electricity from government in centre recording 25.21% share, 5762.20 MW electricity purchased from private sector recording 47.98% share and 1414 MW electricity from Adani Group recording 10% share.
Information reveals, there are four major reasons for shortage of coal in the country at present which include increased consumption of electricity during present summer season, growth in economic condition and effect of rain water flooded coal mimes in present rainy season adversely affected production of coal, Drastic increase in the price of coal imported from other countries and lack of storage of coal at power plants prior to rainy season is another prominent reason for shortage of coal n power plants.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khatter while talking to media persons told that there is no shortage of coal and electricity in the state at present purchasing electricity from outer sources because it is available at cheaper rates as compared to the cost of production in power plants in the state managed by HPGCL and situation is out of danger zone because of procuring electricity from outer sources. According to information, Haryana state presently requires 6959 MW electricity against availability of 7040 MW electricity as such in-spite of nine power plants having requirement of 45600 ton coal lying shut in the state not facing power crisis, however the power plants in the state producing 2582 MW electricity including 72.42 MW electricity produced by hydel system are having stocks for emergency use for a period of over a week and situation for supply of coal will improve shortly since rainy season is almost over.
Information reveals, as many as nine power plants in the state producing electricity are lying closed and three electricity producing plants operated by coal are working. There are two power plants of capacity 300 MW each at Yamunanagar producing electricity. Similarly, out of two thermal power plants of capacity 600 MW each at Khedad one is lying closed at present. Mahatma Gandhi Power Plant at Jhajjar in Haryana producing 1198 MW electricity is being run by a private company. Similarly, power plant at Jhadli in the state in partnership with government in centre producing 589.5 MW electricity.
