Wind power generation plummets by more than 2,000 MW

Mysuru: Giving details of the power situation, Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) Director (Technical) L. Lokesh told Star of Mysore that thermal power generation at key power plants in Karnataka has suffered a significant drop due to technical failures. “One unit each at the Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS), Ballari Thermal Power Station (BTPS) and Yellur/Yermarus Thermal Power Station (YTPS) has tripped, reducing thermal power generation by nearly 50 percent,” he said.

In addition, wind power generation plunged by more than 2,000 MW, putting further pressure on the grid. The drop began around 6.30 am yesterday and continued until about 4 pm. Though generation recovered marginally in the evening, it slipped again later.

“With the southwest monsoon remaining weak and hydropower generation constrained by low reservoir levels, Karnataka has been relying heavily on thermal power from Ballari and Raichur, along with solar and wind energy, to meet demand. Hydro-electricity generation at key sites like Shimsha and Shivanasamudra has dropped to 20 percent to 30 percent of total capacity,” Lokesh said.

Meanwhile, unscheduled power cuts have forced CESC authorities to completely halt night-time power supply to  agricultural pump sets.