KSEB to take up repair of generator in Moolamattom plant

Even as repair works are progressing at the Moolamattom power plant of the Idukki hydel project, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) generation wing has decided to simultaneously take up maintenance of a generator at the plant.

An official told The Hindu that the board and the government sanctioned repair of generator four at the plant. “Earlier, the board aimed to fix leakage in the main intake valves of generators five and six. During inspection, we found the same inlet valve leakage in generator four and decided to take up repairs,” said the official.

The leakage in the main intake valves has been fixed and the annual maintenance of generator six is over, while repair work of generator five is progressing. The work extends to over 16 to 18 hours a day and is expected to be completed a week before December 10, the scheduled deadline,” said the official.

“For repairs of generator four, the plant needs to be shut down for a minimum of 15 days. Since the works are being taken up simultaneously, there is no need for another shutdown of the plant or to drain the tunnel. The annual maintenance of generator four has been completed earlier,” said the official.

Officials said generators six, five, and four at the Moolamattom power plant had been installed in the 1985-86 period.

The powerhouse was shut down on November 12, and the works were expected to be completed by December 10.

The water level in the Idukki reservoir was 2,385.60 ft as of Thursday, and the rule curve from November 20 is 2,400.70 ft. The storage at Malankara Dam is also at a safe level to ensure that drinking water distribution is not disrupted in Idukki and Ernakulam districts.

The official said the KSEB had planned an alternative power supply until December 10.

The water level at the Mullaperiyar dam on Thursday was 140.20 ft. The maximum allowed level is 142 ft.