CHENNAI: The failure to commission the Koodankulam nuclear power project on time has led to the present power shortage in Tamil Nadu, S. Machendranathan, Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, said on Saturday.
Delivering the keynote address at a seminar, he said: “We have 2-4 per cent power shortage. But this should not deter us. The shortage could have been met, if the Koodankulam project was commissioned on time. However, in the past two years, there has been a tremendous increase in power demand, for which we have not done any planning.”
Soon after taking over the reins in November, Mr. Machendranathan had discussions with Board officials to bring down the peak load at summer. It was projected that the State might fall short of 400 MW, and he suggested that industrial units stagger holidays to meet the shortage. “Till now, we have managed the demand. If the Koodankulam project comes on, our problem will be solved. We hope it will be ready by March 2009,” he said.
Explaining the initiatives taken by the Board to generate more power during the 11th Plan, he said the new projects would generate additional 2200 MW by 2011.
On the improved power situation in the State, Mr. Machendranathan said electricity generated through windmills touched an all-time high of 1800 MW on Thursday.
Koodankulam project delay led to power shortage