Despite glitches and blackout in many areas in Ranchi, the Jharkhand State Electricity Board (JSEB) is claiming that it is ready to meet the additional demand for electricity during Durga Puja. According to officials of the board, the State is sitting on surplus power despite zero production by one unit of Patratu Thermal Power Station.
“Maximum demand for electricity stands at 900 MW; however, we are getting around 1000 MW. So we are in a better position at the moment,” said Electrical Executive Engineer, Commercial Rishi Nandan.
The closed unit of PTPS will add another 50 to 60 MW of power once it becomes operational.
In response to the directive issued by the JSEB mandating Puja Organisers to obtain temporary connections to meet the requirement of electricity, major puja organizers have applied for connections to make lighting arrangements in their puja pandals.
“As many as four applications for temporary connection have been submitted in our office in last 4 to 5 days. It may go up in the next few days,” RK Singh an official of JSEB’s office at Bariatu.
Notably, organizing committees have also communicated their willingness to abide by the directive of JSEB which is aimed at curbing theft of electricity during puja and assessing the demand before consumption shoots up unexpectedly.
“We have asked all puja organizers to apply for electricity connection so that they do not face embarrassment at the hands of the department for stealing electricity,” said Ajeet Sahay of Mahanagar Durga Puja Samiti.
Although the JSEB boasts of supply being more than the prevailing demand, it is prepared to draw power from central pool to meet unexpected rise in demand during puja. The JSEB will draw power from the Kahalgaon and Farakka units of NTPC besides the Damodar Valley Corporation power plants to deal with supply crunch.
“If the need arises we just need to send a message to the eastern region power and they will arrange the requested quota of energy,” said Ramni Kant Sinha, PRO JSEB.