MoP sets GSPA deadline of KG D-6 gas supply for NTPC

Visibly affected by the petroleum ministry's censure with respect to underutilization of KG-D6 gas allocated to NTPC's power stations, the Ministry of Power (MoP) has asked the power major to complete execution of the requisite Gas Supply Purchase Agreements (GSPA) for its CCCPs by April 2010. Notably, the power major has been allotted 4.8 million metric standard cubic meters per day (MMSCMD) of gas from the basin; however, currently NTPC is drawing only 2.15 MMSCMD of gas. The power ministry has also asked NTPC to resolve the issues hampering its plants' abilities to accept all the gas supplied by Reliance.

The EGoM, in its meeting held on October 27, 2009 decided that gas from KG D-6 would be supplied on firm basis to all the existing gas-based power plants with connectivity to the basin, except the plant operated by RGPPL and NTPC`s plants in Kawas and Gandhar. Instead, 2.71 MMSCMD of gas will be diverted from NTPC`s plants in the northern part of the country to the Kawas and Gandhar power plants, while, in lieu of the same, an equal amount of KG D-6 gas will be supplied to these northern region plants. All existing gas-based power plants, including those that are to be commissioned this year were also allowed to draw gas on fallback basis, up to a maximum of 12 MMSCM per day, to enhance their efficiency levels.