The Telangana power sector is expected to add more than 10,000 MW of power generation capacity over the next three years , making it a state with surplus power.
In 2014, after the bifurcation, Telangana started with an installed capacity of 7,778 MW. Within six years , the total power generation capacity was up to 15,980 MW. The installed capacity is now being further expanded.
As per the AP Reorganization Act, the NTPC must have a thermal power capacity of 4,000 MW. Phase one work on 1,600-MW is currently underway. The foundation of the project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Chief Minister of State, K Chandrasekhar Rao, who assured uninterrupted power, closely monitored the progress of various power projects under the supervision of D Prabhakar Rao, CMD of TSTransco and TSGenco.
Solar power capacity
The TSGenco has undertaken a 4,000 MW thermal power project at Yadadri and the State-owned Singareni Collieries Company Ltd is undertaking an 800 MW expansion project. The State will also have access to approximately 800 MW from Central Generating Stations and expect to add about 1584 MW of solar power and 90 MW of hydraulic power. Together, capacity addition will go beyond the 10,000 MW mark in three years.
The 1,080-MW (4×270) Bhadradri thermal project is at the advanced stage of the commissioning process. The State has also invested some 27,770 crore in the enhancement of the transmission network, which will ensure 99.9 per cent of transmission reliability.
Power to agri
In a situation where the State had to deal with power cuts and power holidays for industry, it is now in a position to supply all sections of consumers, including industrial users, with clock power. The State has also provided the agriculture sector with 24×7 free power supply.
Approximately 3,500 MW of power generation capacity, which accounts for about 30 per cent of the state power requirement, is supplied to the agriculture sector without any power charges. The cost of this is being bridged by the State Government’s power subsidies.
In order to strengthen the power sector in the State, 23,667 outsourced employees have been absorbed as regular employees.
