CERC nod to PowerGrid bidding procedure

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved the procedure for selection of bidders for building transmission lines in the Western Region System Strengthening Scheme II "" packages 'B' and 'C' "" with 100 per cent private sector participation.

The procedure had been proposed by the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd on the advice of the commission in its July 29 order, while disposing of the application of Reliance Energy Transmission Limited, said an official statement.

The commission had advised the central transmission utility (PowerGrid) to modify its bidding procedure of packages 'B' and 'C' to enable 100 per cent equity participation by private sector players so that equity resources of PowerGrid could be better utilised elsewhere.

PowerGrid will invite competitive bids with 100 per cent private equity for eight 400 KV transmission lines spanning about 1,500 km in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

The successful bidder will be selected on the basis of the lowest completed cost provided the bidder meets criteria of experience, capability and financial standing.