Ranchi: In a development affecting the power supply in Jharkhand, a unit at the Damodar Valley Corporation’s (DVC) Koderma Thermal Power Station (KTPS) and a unit at the Thermal Power Station (TTPS) in Tenughat have been temporarily closed for maintenance. The KTPS unit, with a capacity of 500 MW, and the Tenughat unit, generating 160 to 175 MW, have been taken offline. This combined shutdown has resulted in a substantial power shortage of approximately 675 MW in the state.
DVC’s KTPS unit is expected to remain closed for maintenance for 28 days, during which it will produce only 500 MW of electricity, leading to a reduced output. However, this outage will not impact the DVC command area, as Chandrapura and Bokaro plants within the DVC network are operating at full capacity, ensuring a stable power supply in their designated regions.
To address the shortage, Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) is taking measures to minimize the impact. JBVNL will activate the Sikidiri Hydel power station during peak demand hours, providing an additional 130 MW of electricity. The remaining power deficit will be compensated by sourcing electricity from the central power pool.
As of now, the electricity demand in Jharkhand, including the DVC command area, ranges between 2200 and 2400 MW. DVC currently supplies 600 to 700 MW to its command area, while the demand outside the DVC command area stands at up to 1700 MW. This includes the 350 MW generated by both units at Tenughat. JBVNL officials have assured that there will be no significant disruptions, and the electricity needs will be met by drawing power from the central pool.
According to Anil Sharma, Managing Director of Tenughat Vidyut Nigam Limited (TVNL), the unit at Tenughat was temporarily shut down for essential maintenance due to a generator fault. He mentioned that the unit is expected to be back in operation at full capacity within three to four days.
The state authorities are actively working to manage the power supply situation during this maintenance period to ensure minimal disruption for consumers.
