M'shtra asks SEZs for power needs

The Maharashtra government's energy department has asked all SEZ developers in the state to submit the details of their power requirements and from where they are going to get it.

The Centre has approved more than 40 SEZ proposals from the state and the state government expects that the increase in the economic activity through SEZ is going to generate tremendous demand for power.

In such a situation, the state would not be able to meet the electricity needs of SEZs, said sources in the power ministry.

"Theoretically, SEZs are supposed to be self-sufficient in power and water supply, road network and sewage disposal system. But in our country. we have approved SEZs on 30 hectares or 40 hectares for IT, bio-technology or other hi-tech sectors.

Such SEZs coming up on a small piece of land would not be viable to have their own captive power plants," they said.

Sources said that Maharashtra was expecting an additional supply of 11,000 Mw power by the end of 2010, which includes 3,000 Mw from the state-owned Mahagenco, 3,000 Mw from independent power producers, 3,000 Mw from central power utilities like NTPC, and NPCI, and 2,200 Mw from Dabhol plant of Ratnagiri Gas and Power Pvt Ltd (RGPPL).

However, SEZs, malls, multiplexes and large residential colonies in urban areas which are also high power consumers may send the government's planning for a toss and that's why they were being extra cautious.

The ministry is also asking its officials to ensure that a developer leaves enough space for installation of a sub-station or transformer on the property he is developing as per development control rules (DCR), sources added.