Tamil Nadu's power demand to touch 14,500 MW fiscal end

Chennai, July 21 (IANS) Tamil Nadu's power needs are expected to touch 14,500 MW by the end of this fiscal, the state assembly was told Monday.

State Electricity, Prohibition and Excise Minister Natham R.Viswanathan said the current power demand in Tamil Nadu is between 13,000-13,500 MW and it is expected to increase to 14,500 MW by the end of this fiscal.

The present installed power capacity of thermal/hydro/gas stations, share from central sector and private sector in the state is 12,484 MW, he said.

Viswanathan said the increased demand is expected to be met from new projects that would go on stream and power purchases apart from the existing power stations.

He said 500 MW is being purchased on short term basis from outside and on long term basis contracts have been signed to source 3,300 MW for a period of 15 years.

During the current fiscal, around 2,000 MW of fresh generation will be added to the state grid, he added.