IWPA challenges move to buy thermal power
The India Wind Power Association (IWPA) has challenged the decision of TN Generation.
Chennai: The India Wind Power Association (IWPA) has challenged the decision of TN Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) to purchase 2,122 MW thermal power on long-term basis overlooking abundant wind power available during monsoon period.
According to IWPA chairman K. Kasthurirangaian, the association has appealed to the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) against the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission’s order allowing power purchase.
“We are not against Tangedco purchasing thermal power on long term basis to meet the power shortage faced by it. But we are opposed to purchasing the power during the wind power season from May to September by backing down windmills. We want the availability of wind power to be factored in while buying power,” he told Deccan Chronicle.
Wind power producers alleged that this year, Tangedco backed down windmills, which rescued the state from power cuts during the peak wind season, for over eight to 22 hours following availability of power from new thermal power stations and less demand. Tamil Nadu has a total wind mill installed capacity of over 7,000 MW.
However, Kasthurirangaian said that TNERC had accepted the Tangedco’s argument that wind power was infirm in nature and the association has no locus standi on the issue.
The appellate tribunal has accepted the wind power association’s petition against the Tangedco’s decision and posted the case for hearing on January 21, he said.