Tamil Nadu power cuts continue despite government's 2000 MW purchase plan

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss has said that unannounced power cuts have become routine across Tamil Nadu despite the State government's claim that it has purchased 2,000 MW of additional power. He cited an incident in which Revenue Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan had to conduct a media interview using a mobile phone torch after a sudden power outage in Vellore as evidence of the widespread problem.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Dr Ramadoss said the government has announced steps to purchase 2,000 MW of power to reduce cuts, but there has been no progress on the ground.

Demand remains at summer peak

The PMK leader said Tamil Nadu's power demand, which reached a peak of 20,500 MW to 21,000 MW during the summer, continues to remain at the same level even now because temperatures have not come down. This is 4,000 MW higher compared to September last year, he pointed out.

"The reason for the power cuts is that the Tamil Nadu government has not made adequate arrangements for electricity to meet this additional demand," he said.

Protests spreading across State

Dr Ramadoss noted that people have been holding protests against the power cuts being implemented everywhere from Chennai to the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, yet the cuts have still not been withdrawn.

He said officials normally ensure that power cuts do not occur in areas where ministers are participating in programmes. "But if power supply is being disrupted despite the efforts of officials, it means that there is a shortage of electricity that is beyond their ability to manage," he added.

Source: The Hindu