Gear up to face El Nino impact, Minister tells power utilities
Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar has directed power utility officials to prepare for potential supply disruptions caused by El Nino impacts during the upcoming months. The strategy includes prioritizing thermal power generation, maintaining coal reserves, and increasing the use of battery energy storage systems to compensate for reduced hydroelectric and wind output.
Why it matters
Proactive energy management is critical for maintaining grid stability in regions vulnerable to climate-induced fluctuations in renewable energy production.
Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Wednesday directed officials to remain on high alert during August, September and October in view of the impact of El Nino on the power sector.
Reviewing the preparedness of the Energy Department at the Secretariat, Mr. Ravi Kumar instructed the officials of APGenco and APTransco to work in close coordination to ensure uninterrupted power supply and prevent inconvenience to consumers.
Noting that hydroelectric and wind power generation had declined due to deficient rainfall this year, he asked the officials to focus on thermal power generation while stepping up renewable energy output.
The Minister directed the utilities to maintain coal stocks sufficient for at least 15 days of generation and advised them to procure imported coal whenever the U.S. dollar and market indices were favourable.
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