State-run PowerGrid Corp is looking at entering into joint venture agreements with various state governments for laying out inter-state transmission networks, a senior official has said.
"The power distribution and generation capacity has increased since the past few years. Therefore, we feel there is a need for inter-state grid connectivity. We are in talks with a few states to work out a joint venture model to enable them to lay transmission networks," a PGCIL official told PTI here.
He further pointed out that "many states have taken initiatives in augmenting the power capacity. We feel there will be a need for an efficient power transmission network to evacuate the power and connect it to the grid".
PowerGrid is in talks with states including Orissa, Sikkim, Assam, The corporation has already adopted the joint venture model on public-private partnership (PPP) basis with eight companies for inter-state connectivity.
"We have experience of the joint venture model. We are looking at similar arrangements in the future as well. But we have not yet finalised any plans in this regards. It is currently at a very nascent stage," the official added.
The corporation has entered into joint venture agreements with Powerlinks Transmission, Parbati Koldam Transmission Company, Torrent Power Grid, Energy Efficiency Services, Teesta Valley Power Transmission, Northeastern Transmission Company and National High Power Test Laboratory.