By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, September 12, 2015 : Odisha, which pioneered reforms in power sector way back in 1990s, now faces blackout due to drastic fall in hydro power generation.

“We are facing a shortfall of 500-550 MW because of a drastic fall in hydro power generation. Therefore, we have no choice but to continue power cuts till June,” energy minister Pranab Prakash Das told media persons here on Saturday.

“Instead of the usual 2085 MW, we are now getting no more than 1750 MW of hydro power because of falling reservoir levels caused by deficient rainfall. If it does not rain adequately over the next one month, the situation is going to turn really precarious,” the minister warned.

Besides the falling power generation, Das attributed power cuts to increased demand. “Normally, the demand peaks in May-June touching 4000 MW. But this year, we have reached that level – in fact more than that – in September itself,” he said.
Das said, power cuts is a national phenomenon. “Odisha is not the only state where there is power cut. It is
happening everywhere – in Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka. Banagalore city is having seven hours of power cut,” Das said.

The minister categorically denied the charge of government unpreparedness saying, “It was because we were prepared that we could do without power cuts till now,” he said.