AGARTALA, May 15 (TIWN): In the wake of the proposed weeklong shut-down of Palatana power plant, the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) has envisaged a contingency plan to meet the shortfall in power supply.

With the temperature hovering above 40 Degree Celsius, the pick-hour demand for power stands at 245/250 MW. While Palatana plant is supplying 85 MW power to the TSECL, the power generation in the state is around 100 MW which includes 60 MW from Rukhia Gas Thermal Project.

The state is drawing around 50 MW power from Centre Poll leading a shortfall of 20/30 MW when the Palatana is operational, said one of the top officials of TSECL here today.

“If the Palatana plant is switched off due to Project Guarantee Test (PGT) from May 17, the shortfall of power will be around 100 MW in Tripura. We have already approached to NBBN and Power Trading Company (PTC) seeking additional power to minimize shortage of power and response is positive”, he said.

As per the plans, the TSECL might be allowed to draw 50/60 MW power from NBBN and PTC with an estimated cost of Rs. 3/ 4 crore.

“Despite the emergency plan, the power shortage during the PGT of Palatana plant will be around 40/50 MW during the pick hour. Naturally, we will have to go for power cut for around one hour to meet the shortfall”, he said adding there would no massive impact on the power supply due to the PGT of Palatana power plant.

According to OTPC sources, the Palatana plant would undergo PGT from May 17 midnight. Not only Tripura, Northeastern states like Assam and Meghalaya will also face tough time during the period.

The PGT was supposed to take place well before May 15 but the OTPC had to deferr it following request from some state government in the wake of the counting of votes scheduled to be held tomorrow.