The Ministry of Water and Power Tuesday announced that power loadshedding duration will remain at the same level this summer as that of last year despite substantial growth in consumption.
"With better management, system improvements and addition of new generation the power sector is prepared to provide electricity in the coming summer to the domestic, commercial and industrial consumers with a country wide load management schedule of 6 hours in Urban Areas, 8 Hours in rural areas and Zero Load shedding in industrial sector; except during peak summer months in which the industrial load management may be introduced, said a spokesman of Water and Power Ministry.
However, the spokesman clarified that in areas where the recoveries are up to the mark and losses are within permissible limit, the load shedding hours will remain predictable and within the above announced schedule. However in areas where the losses are greater and recoveries are lower, the Ministry of Water and Power has chalked out a special load management plan.
A percentage wise schedule for each and every electricity 11kv feeders has been issued across the country based on recoveries and losses, whereby high loss/theft areas will be subjected to higher than the announced load shedding. This strategy has been devised keeping in view the principle of equality in terms of recoveries and losses. Responsible consumers should have lesser number of load shedding hours as compared to non-payers or those involved in power theft, he added.
The ministry of Water and Power has also directed all the Distribution Companies (Discos) to prominently display each and every feeder loss and recoveries status at their circle's offices, sub division level offices, complaint centers and other prominent places within each and every city for public awareness along with the load shedding hours.
According to the spokesman, it will now become possible for the consumers of a particular feeder to adjust their load shedding hours by paying their bills and assist their distribution companies to act against power theft. The Ministry of Water and Power has already introduced new amendments in the anti power theft law whereby arrest without warrant is possible besides other stringent penalties against those involved in power theft.
The overall situation of electricity availability is improving with each passing month due to untiring efforts made on all fronts including the system improvements, better management, transparency and addition of new power generation. As compared to 60 % use of power capacity availability in 2013, the expected generation during this summer is estimated as 85% of the generation capacity. The load shedding hours on average has witnessed a 50% decline as compared to year 2013 and will continue to decline after peak summer months.
The Ministry of Water and Power has also appealed to the consumers to adopt energy conservation during their daily routine which can lead to saving of around 1500MW of electricity. This can substantially reduce the load shedding hours. The Government is also planning to aggressively promote energy conservation through media campaigns.