Tripura to Procure 105 MW Power for uninterrupted supply during Durga Puja

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 30, 2024

In preparation for the increased power demand during Durga Puja, the Power Department of Tripura has decided to procure an additional 105 megawatts (MW) of electricity. Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced on Monday that the estimated cost for this procurement will be around two crore rupees.

During a media briefing regarding the department’s readiness for the festive season, Nath explained that the state would also reduce its power supply to Bangladesh to ensure sufficient electricity availability within Tripura.Last year, the peak power demand reached 311.3 MW on Maha Astami, with a total requirement of 436.1 MW that included exports to Bangladesh. So far this year, the highest peak recorded was 378.5 MW on September 20, and the average power consumption has been 330 MW. Based on these figures, the projected peak consumption during Durga Puja is estimated at 390 MW. To accommodate this demand, the state will restrict its supply to Bangladesh from the usual 71 MW to 50 MW during the festival.

Nath outlined the state’s power sources: Tripura receives 255 MW from its central share, 19 MW from Rukhia, and 61 MW from Monarchak. To meet the additional requirements, Tripura can purchase up to 80 MW from Mizoram and OTPC, with the remaining 25 MW sourced from the open market or power exchanges. This additional power procurement will require an expenditure of two crore rupees.

Regarding the power trade with Bangladesh, Nath noted that Tripura supplies 71.8 MW to Bangladesh through the National Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN). He mentioned that Tripura currently has an outstanding balance of Rs 188 crore from Bangladesh, which remains unpaid. The trade is facilitated by NVVN, ensuring that payments are made to the state without direct communication between the Tripura and Bangladesh governments concerning power trade.