Tamil Nadu Defends Short-Term Power Tenders Amid El Niño Surge
· India · Hindustan Times, The Hindu
Tamil Nadu Minister R Nirmal Kumar on Tuesday defended the state government's decision to float short-term power tenders, citing a 30 per cent surge in electricity demand driven by El Niño heat. Briefing reporters in Chennai, Kumar stated that power demand jumped from 16,800 MW last year to 21,700 MW. He attributed the grid strain to a combined shortfall of 4,850 MW from central quotas and reduced wind generation. The short-term tenders have been floated for 3,500 MW from October 15 to October 31, though the state intends to procure only 1,500 MW for peak hours. Kumar also blamed the previous DMK government for failing to secure long-term purchase contracts over the past five years.
Why it matters
The power procurement decisions directly impact consumers and industries in Tamil Nadu by attempting to prevent unscheduled load shedding and secure uninterrupted electricity during upcoming festival seasons.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.