With a target to add 88,000 MW of capacity addition during the 12th Plan, the Ministry of Power is initiating several measures in the sector. This was stated by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia while addressing a press conference in New Delhi today. The minister highlighted several measures initiated by his ministry to achieve the target of investing Rs 12.37 crores in the power sector during the 12th Plan. The ministry of power is holding several round of meetings with the Ministry of Coal, Water Resources and Environment & Forests from time to time to resolve the issues related to power sector. During the current year 2012-14 (April-August) against the electricity generation target of 401.517 BU, 399.995 BU have been already generated with growth of 4.32% over the same period last year. The highest ever generation of 128 GW in a day ever was recorded on 24th May 2013.
Shri Scindia also stressed the need for setting up an independent Coal Regulator with the authority to fix prices of coal and resolve disputes. The independent Coal Regulatory Bill has been approved by the Cabinet on 27th June, 2013. The Ministry of Power has taken up with the Ministry of Coal for introduction of third party sampling in supply of coal. The Ministry of Coal has indicated that third party sampling will be operational by 30.09.2013 and Coal India Limited (CIL) has already appointed agency for third party sampling, the minister said while addressing the conference.
On the hydro power sector the minister said, decision has been taken to enhance the power of states to grant concurrence to DPRs of hydro projects from Rs 500 crores to 1000 crores. The minister also held discussions with Minister of Water Resources for expediting CWC clearances. During the Hydro Task Force meeting held earlier this month, several important decisions were taken to expedite setting up of hydro projects in the country.
The matter related to setting up of separate Task Force on Thermal and Transmission sector has already been taken by the ministry. As suggested by the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Coal has incorporated PPA condition in coal block allocation letters to IPPs in powers sector so that the benefits of low cost coal is passed on to the consumers.
With regard to granting full independence to Grid Operation Company, Shri Scindia said that the process has already been initiated for granting complete independence and autonomy to Power System Operation Corporation Limited (POSOCO). The work on southern grid connectivity has been fast tracked and is likely to be completed by January, 2014.
The list of projects for signing of FSA has been revised from 60,000 to 78,000. CCEA in its meeting held on 21.06.2013, had directed that all FSAs for plants commissioned after March 2009 and scheduled to be commissioned by March 2015 totaling 78,000 MW be signed. As on date, FSA for 71 GW capacities has been signed. The Minister assured that all the current FSAs will be signed by the end of next month.
As per the 12th Plan, the ministry is targeting to add 88,000 MW of capacity addition out of which 69,000 MW is likely to take place in the thermal sector. On the transmission front, over one lakh circuit kilometer of transmission lines and over 2.8 MVA (megavolt ampere) capacity is targeted to be added during the period. Shri Scindia also informed that the government has made it clear that after meeting the requirement of the urea plants, any additional gas produced in the country will be diverted to power sector.
The Minister also informed that a Peaking Power Policy is being framed for gas-based power projects to provide a cheaper substitute for diesel sets used to meet peak power demand.
Three dividend cheques were presented to the MOS (I/C) of Power by three Central Public Sector Enterprises at a function today. Mr. R.P. Singh, CMD SJVN presented a cheque of Rs. 255.99 Crore. Mr. Sai Prasad, Joint Secretary and CMD of NHPC presented a cheque of 637.41 Crore. Mr. M.K. Goyal, CMD of Power Finance Corporation (PFC) presented a dividend cheque of Rs. 97 crore along with interim dividend of Rs. 58 Crore paid already, thereby totaling a dividend of Rs. 681 Crore.