UPCL resumes power generation after CM promises to clear arrears

UPCL resumes power generation after CM promises to clear arrears

Mangalore Today News Network

 Padubidri ,Feb 6, 2013 : The Udupi Power Corporation Ltd’s(UPCL) thermal power plant at Ellur near Padubidri, which had suspended power generation in both its units a few days ago, has resumed power generation on February 5, Tuesday following an assurance given by Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar to clear the arrears  due to UPCL.

The power supply scenario is thus expected to return to normalcy in a couple of days.

The deadlock had arisen after the UPCL suspended 1200 mw power generation in both units following  the failure of the government to clear arrears to the tune of around Rs 1500 crores. 

The power generation was suspended soon after Shobha Karandlaje quit the state cabinet as energy minister.

The UPCL had then given the excuse of coal shortage and annual maintenance of the plant, even when  there was a strong suspicion that the failure of the government to clear the arrears was the main reason behind the suspension of power generation.

 Presently, a cargo vessel carrying  coal imported from Indonesia has arrived and the available coal  is suffice for power generation upto a week. Yet another cargo vessel carrying coal is expected to arrive at New Mangalore Port on February 10, company sources said adding even the second unit would be operational in another three to four days.