Five months ago the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) had introduced the ambitious concept of zero load-shedding, but the plan seems to be fizzling out in theu00a0 heat of the summer.

MSEDCL is unsure whether it can continue with zero load-shedding because of huge power consumption. It is now depending on the power generated from Ratnagiri Gas and Power Pvt Ltd (RGPPL), the Dabhol power plant.

The possibility of zero load-shedding has become even more grim as the Chandrapur power generation plant has announced it will stop power generation from April 16 due to scarcity of water.

This may affect the city along with other zero load-shedding cities like Navi Mumbai, Thane, Aurangabad, Amravati and Nagpur.

S P Nagtilak, chief engineer, MSEDCL Pune, said, "We are still continuing with the zero load-shedding model in the city by purchasing power for 21 paise extra per unit. If the power availability does not improve there will be power cuts soon."

He said the Chandrapur power generation plant used to generate 2,340 MW of power but it has now gone down to 1,500 to 1,600 MW.