Haryana plans to invest Rs 1,346 crore in power

The Haryana government proposes to invest over Rs 1,346 crore to improve the quality of electricity supply and ensure that consumers do not face supply constraints. However, it does not intend to provide free power to any section of society.

"Power may be subsidised to provide support to certain sections, but there is no question of providing power free to anyone," Maj Gen B S Rathee, chairman, Haryana Vidyut Parishad Nigam Ltd, said at a PHDCCI seminar.

He said Haryana Vidyut Parishad had invested Rs 646 crore to set up additional sub-stations and also bifurcate the overloaded feeders. An additional Rs 700 crore would be invested in ensuring full metering and computerising transmission and distribution networks.

Admitting that Haryana Vidyut Parishad had not been able to keep pace with the growth of the Gurgaon region, Maj Rathee said substations were being installed at Manesar, Bahadurgarh and other nearby places to meet the demand.

Of the two thermal power plants under execution, the one in Panipat was expected to be commissioned by September and the other by December 2004.

"Together, they would generate 500 MW, which would match the existing demand," Rathee said.

Another 500-MW thermal power plant is being commissioned in Yamunanagar by 2007, which would meet any further increase in demand. The government would also be purchasing power from private developers.

Rathee said while the demand for power rose 8"�10 per cent annually, supply increased by 3"�4 per cent, resulting in a widening of the gap.

"With the commissioning of these power plants and also by purchasing power from private developers, Haryana would be in a position to minimise the supply"�demand gap," he said. Besides, a long-term plan to reduce the gap was being put in place.