Maharashtra power firm in pact with Torrent

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) and the Ahmedabad-based Torrent Power Limited today signed a distribution franchisee agreement for the Bhiwandi circle.

Torrent Power would take up the distribution of power to 1.6 lakh customers in the Bhiwandi circle. Torrent Power is expected to take over the operations from January 15, 2007.

"Over the years, we have built up efficiencies in our distribution networks. We will ensure that high efficiencies and reliability, coupled with good customer services are brought to Bhiwandi", said Murli Ranganathan of Torrent Power.

Torrent Power, which currently distributes 7 billion units of power to over 1.8 million customers in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Surat in Gujarat, has one of the lowest T&D losses in the country at 9.67 per cent and one of the highest power reliabilities at 99.87 per cent.

Torrent Power has been the pioneer in providing customer-friendly solutions like 24X7 call centre, mobile vans for providing onsite services, multiple payment options etc.

"Its the first of its kind public-private partnership not only in Maharashtra but also in the country" said Shri Jayant Kawale, principal secretary (Energy), Maharashtra government.

Speaking on the occasion, Ajay Bhushan Pandey, managing director of MSEDCL, said, "This is a unique concept which will be a win-win situation for all the stakeholders, MSEDCL, Torrent Power and most importantly, the customers in the Bhiwandi circle."

Torrent Power is implementing an 1100-Mw gas-based green field generation project near Surat, which is expected to be commissioned by the third quarter of 2007.