Reliance Energy braces to combat hot summer in Mumbai

Mumbai, March 10 (IANS) With the IMD forecast of an exceptionally hot summer this year, Reliance Energy expects the summer peak demand to cross 1,700 MW power requirement between April-June this year in the city, an official said here on Friday.

The company is prepared to tackle the summer heat and has made full arrangements to cater to the additional power supply requirements of its 2.4 million-plus consumer.

"Reliance Energy has estimated that the peak demand for power in its distribution area is likely to cross the 1,700 MW mark in the coming summer months," the official said.

Last year on June 9, the company had recorded a peak demand of 1,627 MW, which was 45 percent of the peak demand of Mumbai that day.

The three highest peak demand days last year were June 8 and June 9 (1,627 MW) and June 11 (1,625 MW).

The company said it is almost certain that the peak demand for power will cross last year's April-June peak demand of 1,627 MW and Mumbai's power demand has already shot up with the sudden rise in daytime temperatures to 39 degrees Celsius currently.

For this, it has entered into long-term power purchase agreements to buy 1,262 MW and additional 250 MWA for the ensuing summer months.

The company is also ready to buy additional power in the days ahead if the need arises since people switch on airconditioning during afternoons to get relief from the oppressive heat.

There is another surge in the demand for power post-monsoon when the day time temperatures shoots up considerably and the peak demand during this period last year was 1,432 MW on October 18.

"Being the largest power supplier of the financial capital of India, Reliance Energy's top priority is to maintain highest levels of reliability and quality in power supply to its consumers," the official said.

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