Discom: A race for power even before the elections

livemint.com:

NEW DELHI : Power distribution companies across the country are scrambling to procure more electricity than they usually do for summers, with hotter-than-normal temperatures expected until May this year coinciding with the national election. On Friday, the India Meteorological Department forecast ‘above normal’ maximum temperatures in most parts of the country until May. Plus, the general elections, expected to be held in April-May, could spike demand further as state governments tend to ensure uninterrupted power supply at that time.

Official data from the government shows that power distribution companies (referred to as discoms) of Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar, Assam and Kerala have made arrangements for additional power supply this summer. “Usually, discoms are directed by state governments to ensure uninterrupted power supply during and ahead of elections. The Centre also tries to ensure that there is adequate availability of power," said an official with a power generation company on condition of anonymity.

“Since both rains and wind were deficient during April-May (last year)... leading to lower supply from hydro and wind power plants, governments will be more cautious this time around in terms of ensuring adequate power is tied up in advance," the official added. Besides, authorities do not want voters disgruntled because of power cuts.

Summers are notorious for interruptions in electricity supply as more people keep their fans and air conditioners running longer. To keep up with the increased demand, power distribution companies, or discoms, typically stitch up short-term electricity supplies in advance through the power ministry’s Deep platform and other power exchanges. (Deep stands for discovery of efficient