Power situation worsens in Punjab

THEPOWERsituationin Punjab has worsened following closure of two thermal units at Lehra Mohabatt thermal plant and this position may continue for a number of days.The power shortage in state has increased to 150 lakh units and power supply is around 968 lakh units. According to official data, the evening peak load shortage has increased to 561 MW. The unit 2 of thermal plant tripped on February 1 due to stator earth fault. According to official sources, the cause of tripping has not yet been ascertained. The time to bring back the unit on bar can only is assessed after finding the nature of fault, said an official.The unit 1 of thermal plant is already under shut down for 45 days due to annual maintenance since January 16. The tripping of second unit has come at the wrong time thus increasing pressure on Powercom.With two units down the shortage of 420 MW has forced the Powercom to increase the two-day power cut imposed on induction furnaces to three days in a week. The general industry will now face a two-day power cut.