State power shortage to ease by next week

MUMBAI, April 9: The severe power shortage in Maharashtra, which caused blackouts in 14 districts, may ease out in the next one week, if the assessment of the Maharashtra State Electricity Board is to be believed. For the past three days, about 14 districts of Vidarbha, Marathwada and Khandesh have been facing a partial blackout following an unprecedented shortfall of about 1100 MW in demand and supply.

A MSEB spokesperson explained that most of the factors that led to the shortfall were beyond the control of the board. However, he pointed out that the Uran power plant output was reduced as its gas supply was hampered because of rectification work at the Oil and Natural Gas Commission.

Moreover, supply from the National Thermal Power Corporation had come down by 350 MW due to fault in Vidarbha, Korba and Kakarapar power stations. To cope with the situation, the spokesperson said, the MSEB had initiated short and long term measures to ensure continuous flow. The gas supply by ONGC is also expected to benormal by April 11, he said.