KSEB completes repair works at Moolamattom power house

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has completed the repairs of three generators at the Moolamattom power plant of the Idukki hydel power project. The tunnel and penstock filling process has been completed and the trial run is on.

KSEB generation wing Chief Engineer Viju Rajan John said the KSEB could complete spherical valve replacement of generators six, five, and four in 25 days.

“The power plant was shut down for spherical valve replacement and annual maintenance of generators five and six. As the former work was completed earlier, the KSEB decided to take up repairs of generator four. These three generators at the power plant have been installed in the 1985-86 period. The annual maintenance of generator five is progressing now,” said Mr John.

“Generators one, two, four, and six will be operational for power generation from Friday,” he said.

The main repair works of the generators were done by KSEB engineers. The KSEB dam safety wing, State Load Despatch Centre, and Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project officials assisted in the repairs. Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty on Wednesday visited the powerhouse and reviewed the repair works.

On November 12, the powerhouse had declared a one-month shutdown, with an expected completion date of December 10.

After the KSEB completed the repair works, MVIP officials opened a shutter of the Malankara dam to reduce the water level in the reservoir. “The present water level is 41.34 metres, and we need to reduce it to 39.5 metres. The MVIP increased power generation in Malankara to the maximum level to reduce the water level in the reservoir,” said an official.

After opening the shutter of the Malankara dam for the test run at the Moolamattom powerhouse, the water level rose in the Thodupuzha river.