Orissa, which was earlier deprived of benefits under the Accelerated-Power Development and Reform Programme (APDRP), may soon get Central assistance under this programme for upgradation of its power distribution system.
“The steering committee of the Union power ministry has recommended inclusion of Orissa under APDRP to the group of ministers (GOM) which is looking into various issues related to implementation of this Central sponsored programme. The proposal may soon be forwarded to the cabinet for approval”, said Devender Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India.
Orissa may get the benefits under APDRP within next three months, he added.
Orissa and Delhi were barred from getting assistance under APDRP for upgradation of power distribution system in their respective states on the ground that they had privatized their distribution work.
Singh was speaking at the inaugural function of two day seminar organized to mark the 16th foundation day of Orissa Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC).
Singh lamented that the faltering processes in commercial billing and collections and power theft have forced the distribution companies (discoms) to suffer 40 per cent Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT & C) loss.
Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Naveen Pattnaik said, 18 energy police stations have already been set up and 16 more will be established soon for effective prevention and prosecution of electrical offences in the state.