Now, Reliance Energy eyes rural power plans in Orissa

Out of 6,715 villages awarded to it for rural electrification in Uttar Pradesh, Reliance Energy Ltd has completed the work for 2,500 villages.

Buoyed by its progress, the company now plans to bid for rural electrification projects in other states as well. It also plans to take up villages in Uttar Pradesh and Orissa to run power distribution networks.

"We are in talks with international players to undertake the proposed distribution projects in villages," Reliance Energy Ltd Executive Vice-Chairman Satish Seth told Business Standard.

Reliance Energy was given the target of completing electrification of 1,400 villages by March, 2006. It exceeded the target. "About 2,500 villages out of 6,715 villages in Uttar Pradesh given to REL have already been electrified," Seth added.

The total value of the contract given to REL from distribution companies and Power Grid Corporation in UP is Rs 790 crore. The value of the rural electrification projects in the state is around Rs 3,000 crore.

REL was awarded the contract by three UP distribution companies "" Madhyanchal, Purvanchal and Dakshinanchal, in August 2005. It has also been awarded another contract for electrification by Power Grid.

The Uttar Pradesh rural electrification project also involves setting up 54 new sub-stations, augmentation of 89 sub-stations and laying transmission lines.