Tamil Nadu power demand to touch 14,500 MW by fiscal end

Tamil Nadu's power needs are expected to touch 14,500 MW by the end of this fiscal, the state assembly told on Monday.

State Electricity, Prohibition and Excise Minister Natham R.Viswanathan said the current power demand in Tamil Nadu is between 13,000-13,500 MW and it is expected to increase to 14,500 MW by the end of this fiscal.

He further said the increased demand is expected to be met from new projects that would go on stream and power purchases apart from the existing power stations.

The present installed power capacity of thermal/hydro/gas stations, share from central sector and private sector in the state is 12,484 MW, he said.

He also said that 500 MW is being purchased on short term basis from outside and on long term basis, contracts have been signed to source 3,300 MW for a period of 15 years.

During the current fiscal, around 2,000 MW of fresh generation will be added to the state grid, he added.