Power demand pattern changes in Kolkata.

KOLKATA: The scorching heat wave this summer has ushered in a new pattern of power consumption in Kolkata. Although the city's peak demand so far is yet to breach the record level it had touched in 2012, the time when power demand peaks is changing. And it is afternoon - not the evening - when the residents of Kolkata are consuming electricity the most. CESC, the power utility that caters to the city, has been confronting with the peak demand during this time of the day like never before.

The change in demand timing has been triggered by domestic air conditioners that are operating from 2pm to 4pm unlike earlier when it used to operate at night only, explained CESC executive director Abhijit Bose. So far, power demand this summer peaked on Friday (April 25) at little before 4pm. The demand was 1884 megawatt.

"Generally, the trend was that people used to switch on domestic air conditioners after returning home from the office or after having dinner. But now, those who are in the household are switching on the air conditioners at noon. Those who are in the house may not be willing to tolerate the heat any more," Bose added.

Power demand was less in 2013 as the summer was not so hot then. The peak demand was 1850MW and the average demand was less. In 2012, CESC witnessed a peak demand of 1904MW in June, the highest so far. But in 2012, power demand was not that high during April-May. "The average power demand this summer is 1450MW -1500MW, which is stable and well within the reach of CESC," he added.

The power utility currently has own generation capacity of 1,200mw with the biggest chunk coming from Budge Budge. It imports 600-700MW, depending on the demand. Like in winter, the average demand comes down to 1,250-1,300MW, so does the import requirement.

CESC chairman Sanjiv Goenka had earlier assured a power cut-free summer in 2015 as the power utility is adding a fresh capacity of 300MW later this year through Haldia Energy as the Phase I of Haldia unit will be operational by November. The entire power would be supplied to Kolkata, a CESE top official said.

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com