Kurnool: The Srisailam hydropower plant has experienced a significant drop in power generation and reached its lowest-ever level this season on Saturday.
From April 1 to December 9, the plant has generated only 6.054 million units. The rain deficit is blamed for the fall in generation.
In comparison, the hydropower plant, established in 1982, saw a peak production of 3,797.909 million units in 1993-94.
An official said, “One of the primary reasons for this decline is the reduced water flow into the Srisailam reservoir from Karnataka and Maharashtra. This caused a daily decrease in the reservoir's water level. Under optimal conditions, the plant's seven units can collectively generate 18.48 million units per day, using 3.5 tmc feet (thousand million cubic feet) of water. The current water level is insufficient even to meet the region’s irrigation needs. This is necessitating a halt in the power generation.”
While Telangana generally produces more electricity compared to AP, its output has also significantly dropped compared to the previous year.
The Srisailam hydropower plant's electricity generation has seen varying levels over the past few years. In the fiscal year 2019-20, the plant generated 1,338 million units followed by 1,130mu in 2020-21 and an increase to 1,439 mu in 2021-22.
The plant saw a significant rise in production in 2022-23, generating 1,883mu. However, the current fiscal year has witnessed a drastic drop, with the plant generating only 6 mu so far.
