MahaGenco scripts history as all 27 units start generating power

Staff Reporter

In a laudable achievement, Maharashtra State Power General Company Limited (MSPGCL) started generating power from all 27 thermal sets in its stable. This is an historical development in time of distress as it is for the first time that all sets are on stream.

Though the MahaGenco posted the achievement, overall power generation during peak night time was however well below expectation, it was close to 7000 MW while the installed capacity is 10,170 MW. To meet the current heavy demand for power in State, MahaGenco has stated target of ramping up production upto 8000 MW to avoid any shortfall as directed by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

While ramping-up production several factors are needed to be counted and biggest of them is coal shortfall due to constraints relating to shortage of finances with MahaGenco. The company is in turn dependent on its sister concern, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) whose loan burden has ballooned to such a level that it’s affected its financial borrowing limits in market.

Only one unit at Paras was down and same was also brought on-line as it started generating power making significant contribution to power grid of State. All seven 7 thermal units at Chandrapur Coal Station, 4 sets at Koradi and 3 sets each at Nashik, Bhusawal and Parli, 5 sets at Khaparkheda and 2 at Paras are currently generating power. This is the first time in the nearly 60-year history of MahaGenco that power generation has started from all 27 thermal units.

Against the backdrop of increasing demand for electricity in the State, Energy Minister Dr Nitin Raut was in constant touch with Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and steps were taken to address the challenges. Accordingly, MahaGenco paid close attention to ensure that all generation sets work in the current situation.

Similarly, strict planning of maintenance and repair schedule of thermal sets has been achieved. This achievement has been achieved through the joint efforts of senior management-engineers, technicians and staff of MahaGenco in the face of coal scarcity. For reaching this record stage, Dr Raut has congratulated the Chairman and Managing Director of MahaGenco Sanjay Khandare and the management team.