The Grid Controller of India Limited (Grid-India) has written to the Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation Limited (Tantransco), flagging under-drawal of power from the grid.
The under-drawal by the Tantransco has been continuous and the maximum quantum reached around 1,500 MW on April 6, Grid-India said in its letter.
Grid-India is an enterprise under the Union Ministry of Power. One of its regional arms, the Southern Regional Load Despatch Centre (SRLDC), looks after the grid functions of the southern region. Tamil Nadu meets the deficit during summer through short-term power procurement and swapping arrangements.
The power transfer capability from other States (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana) to Tamil Nadu by Inter-State Transmission lines is termed as Available Transfer Capability (ATC). This is used to draw power from other States utilising the existing transmission system by way of Long Term Agreement from Central Generating Stations, Medium Term Open Access and Short Term Open Access. According to the State Energy Department policy note for 2024-25, the ATC was 10,900 MW.
Grid-India further pointed out that the SRLDC control room consistently sent messages regarding the heavy under-drawal by Tamil Nadu.
The SRLDC had said that the State was continuously under-drawing since April 6, 7.30 a.m. The power demand has not reduced incessantly, and has been in the range of 13,500-14,000 MW on April 6. Yet, under-drawl has been increasing, it noted.
Grid-India said there had been a considerable under-drawal by Tamil Nadu on March 22, March 23, March 29, April 2, April 3, April 4 and April 5. As the Southern region is into the peak demand season, it is once again iterated to plan the power portfolio of the State proactively, and refrain from huge under-drawals, it added.
Besides, during the period of under-drawal, the North Chennai Thermal Power Station (NCTPS) Stage 3 unit 1 (800 MW) was generating infirm injection of 500-600 MW.
The infirm injection of NCTPS Stage 3 Unit 1 started on January 14, 2024, and the commercial operation date of the unit is yet to be declared, it noted. The injection of infirm power shall be appropriately reviewed in accordance with the real time system conditions, Grid-India added.
Published – April 14, 2025 12:02 am IST
