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Power distribution to be privatised in Pune, Navi Mumbai SEZ

BS Regional Bureau in Mumbai

The Maharashtra government has announced plans to privatise the distribution of power in Pune and in the proposed Navi Mumbai special economic zone as a pilot project before the model is introduced throughout the state.

Addressing the second day of the infrastructure summit, minister of state for power Rajendra Darda said: "The high-powered standing committee appointed under the chairmanship of chief secretary Ajit Nimbalkar has proposed the need to emphasise on additional generation of power in the state. By ensuring full capacity utilisation, we can ensure a further enhancement of 1250 MW of power from the Bhusawal (500 MW), Parili (500 MW) and the Paras (250 MW) projects."

Darda also sought the assistance of Union Minister for Power Anant Geete, who was present at the summit, to ensure that the daily shortfall of power to the tune of 600 to 700 MW from the central grid was forthcoming in the wake of the acute power situation in the state.

"Out of the total 2300 MW allocated by the Union government for the state, we are receiving only 1600 to 1700 MW daily. Even the quantum of gas allocated for the Uran gas based power project is not received fully. Even the gas project of the Tata Power Company is not receiving adequate amount of gas from the centre. If TPC were to receive the entire quantum of the pre-decided gas component from the centre, it would be in a position to generate 1000 MW more of power. MSEB's Uran plant is producing only 400-450 MW of power now, although it has a capacity of 850 MW," Darda said.

He added that the unbundling process of the Maharashtra State Electricity Board would commence from January 2003.

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