KOLKATA: Scanty rainfall over the past three days has led to a burgeoning power deficit and a sharp rise in spot prices of electricity in the country.
The shortfall of power widened to 11,000 Mw from between 4,000 Mw and 6,000 Mw earlier, while prices at the spot market surged to as much as Rs 7.80 per unit during the peak evening period from Rs 3-4 per unit. Power sector officials attribute the situation to sparse rainfall during the monsoon and inadequate generation from hydro-electric plants. “Some hydel plants have been asked not to generate due to water level in their reservoirs depleting,” a senior power official told ET.
“Average power price at the spot market is hovering around Rs 5.25 pe
