CHENNAI: On two occasions last week and on Sunday, the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) on average did not use 500 MW of wind power.While wind power producers say it was due to poor infrastructure to carry power from generating units to the grid, TANGEDCO maintains that it was due to supply overshooting demand.According to K Kasthurirangaian, Chairman of Indian Wind Power Association, the current electricity production by windmills in Tamil Nadu is around 3,400 MW and the TANGEDCO had the capacity to evacuate only around 2,900 MW. “Now, the season is good and windmills produce almost optimal power. But, the TANGEDCO is unable to utilise it as it lacks adequate evacuation infrastructure,” he said. During last week, under-utilisation averaging 500 MW happened at least twice, besides on Sunday. If the power utility sets up sufficient facilities to use wind power, the State need not reel under power shortage, Kasthurirangaian said.When asked, senior officials at the TANGEDCO said the present demand was only 10,000 MW, while the actual availability was a little over 11,000 MW. Explaining the surplus, an official said power production from hydel units had increased due to opening of dams, including Mettur, and the rains. “The intermittent rains in the State has decreased farm demand, which is substantial. Also, there is a drop in demand in urban areas.”The TANGEDCO did not buy the full quantum of power from the windmills not because of poor infrastructure but due to availability of surplus electricity, he said.
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