Copyright thehindu
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) will shut down the Moolamattom power plant of the Idukki hydroelectric project for a month for maintenance works. There will be no power generation at the plant from November 11 to December 10. Moolamattom power plant is the biggest hydropower station in the State. “Clearing the leakage of the butterfly valve and repairing the two main inlet valves of the powerhouse will be taken up. To complete the works, the powerhouse must be shut down,” official sources said. “The KSEB had earlier scheduled the work in July but postponed it following heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Idukki dam. Shutting down the power plant then would have resulted in opening of the shutters of the dam to follow the rule curve,” he said. “The KSEB generates maximum power during that period and shares it with Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi, among other States, on a barter basis. The power, including an additional 5%, will be returned in November which will help manage the State’s power demand when the Moolamattom power plant is shut for repairs. When the plant is closed, there will be a shortage of nearly 600 MW during night-time,” he said. The repair works were scheduled in November based on the present forecast for that month. “The water level in the Idukki reservoir is 2,385 ft now and the rule curve from November 20 is 2,400 ft. In case of a change in weather, the board will seek other options regarding the works,” he said. The closure of the plant would reflect in a shortage of 3 MCM of water in the Malankara dam. “The KSEB will speak with the water authority to make arrangements to ensure water security in the area,” the official said. “The repairs need to be completed in an emergency manner. If we cannot complete the works, the board will be able take up the works only in July next year,” he said.
