State-run UJVNL has received 30 applications so far.
With just two days left for the last date for inviting bids for micro, mini and small hydel projects under its new power policy, the Uttarakhand government has given relaxations to entice more investments in the power sector.
In a new move, the government has given relaxation in various conditions by 50 per cent. For those applying through the self-identified route, this relaxation is being given in net worth, turnover and cash components. “We have given these relaxations so that more and more people should apply,” said a top official of Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (UJVNL).
The hydel corporation has already extended the date till December 27 for inviting bids for micro, mini and small hydel projects in the state through self-identified route. The UJVNL, which initiated the bidding process for various projects in September, has repeatedly extended the dates repeatedly so as to accommodate more people. But the government has not given up hopes and expects the policy to fructify in near future.
After big hydel projects ran into problems, the Uttarakhand government is now trying hard to focus on its new power policy on micro, mini and small hydel projects in the hill state with a hope to generate 1,100 Mw.
So far, the UJVNL has received nearly 30 applications but expressed confidence that more applicants would come till December 27, the last date of filing the bidding documents.
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For power generation, the Uttarakhand government is giving preference to local entrepreneurs and gram panchayats to build micro and mini hydel projects with a slew of sops under the new policy announced early this year.
In the policy, the government has reposed considerable faith on locals and gram panchayats to boost the electricity generation in Uttarakhand, which is presently facing acute power shortage.
Besides gram panchayats and locals, societies registered in the state are also being given preference in the power generation programme, top officials here said.
“We are also giving various incentives including loans from banks and subsidies to local entrepreneurs,” said the official.
Hydro projects have been grouped in three broad categories — micro, mini and small. Projects with a capacity of up to 100 Kw will be categorised as micro, mini will comprise between 100 Kw and up to 5 Mw and small projects will consist of above 5 Mw and up to 25 Mw.
Significantly, top officials see a paradigm shift in the new policy. Earlier, the previous government had reposed more faith in private companies from outside the state.
The government has made provision for self-identified projects. In this category, developers may identify projects, prepare the DPR and ask for allotment. In the other category, the state or state-sponsored agencies may identify the projects of any size, prepare a detailed project report (DPR) and allot them.
However, small projects would be open to all and there would be no reservations. For this, premium would be decided as and when they are allotted depending upon the capacity of the project, the officials said adding there would be open competitive bidding in this regard.