₹3,675-crore scheme for quality power supply
The Energy Department has taken up an ambitious scheme to improve the quality of power supply in a few urban areas from across five energy supplying companies at a cost of ₹3,675 crore. The scheme, to be implemented in about 18 months, covers eight sub-divisions, which will be turned into “model-sub-divisions”, in Bengaluru and several other cities.
Announcing the scheme on Tuesday, Energy Minister D.K. Shivakumar said quality and reliability of power will be improved in these model sub-divisions through infrastructure upgrade.
The scheme also envisages measures to reduce energy losses, achieve cent per cent billing of all installations, improving revenue collection efficiency, and ensuring customer satisfaction, he noted.
Meanwhile, he also announced implementation of budgetary scheme of developing five villages in each Assembly constituency as “model villages” by upgrading power infrastructure at a cost of ₹25 lakh to ₹40 lakh in each village.
These model villages will have solar-powered LED street lights which are fitted with timers for automatic switching on and off and creating a three-phase power network in the entire village.
The Minister said officials of the Energy Department had been asked to examine whether GST would have any impact on the energy sector’s finances.
He also announced increase in compensation in electrocution deaths from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
A day’s rain saves ₹100 cr.
Reports of deficient monsoon have caused concern in the energy sector. Mr. Shiva kumar pointed out that a day’s rain in the entire State would save the department at least ₹100 crore. Rains would not only help improve hydel generation, but also reduce power consumption as irrigation pump sets do not operate when it rains, he said.
Source: thehindu
