The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has allocated 0.63 MMSCMD of additional natural gas on firm basis from ONGC nominated blocks to the independent power producers (IPPs) based in Andhra Pradesh, which will help generate about 130 MW more.
A communication of allotment was received by the Principal Secretary, Energy Department today from Delhi. The Centre has also requested Andhra Pradesh to send a detailed report on the utilisation of additional natural gas supplies to IPPs soon.
Consequent to the letter addressed by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, to the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr S. Jaipal Reddy, recently, the Government has allocated natural gas to the IPPs. Consequently, Spectrum Power will get (0.29 MMSCMD), Lanco Kondapalli Phase-I (0.11 MMSCMD), Reliance Infra (0.03 MMSCMD) and GVK Industries (0.2 MMSCMD). ONGC/GAIL have been directed to ensure transport/market of the gas.
According to a statement from Member-Secretary, Energy Coordination Committee, the power utilities have been asked to make necessary arrangements to hike output.
With this Andhra Pradesh will be able to generate 130 MW of power. Currently, IPPs are generating 1,765 MW as against total installed capacity of 2,495 MW.
The energy demand in the State has shot up to 270 MU/ day.