17.1.13

MSEDCL's infrastructure upgrade plan approved


The state cabinet has approved a Rs 5,200-crore infrastructure upgrade plan submitted by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL), which supplies power to more than two crore consumers in the state.
The MSEDCL had proposed the upgrade plan to bring down transmission and distribution losses and eliminate unplanned power cuts due to overloading of electricity and consumer connection on the wires.
The cabinet approved a fund of Rs 1,300-crore from its kitty for the project, which will be completed in four years. The state also permitted MSEDCL to raise the remaining Rs 5,200 crore through bank loans. Sources said the consumer might have to pay an additional 15 paise per unit after the project is completed.
MSEDCL sources said 412 new substations, 37,000 new transformers and advanced meters will also be installed.
“The project will offer reliable (snag-free) and efficient power supply and around 1% reduction in the transmission and distribution losses from the present 14%. The programme will also bring the ratio between the length of wires for high-tension and low -tension at equal level, thus ensuring a smooth flow of electricity,” said an expert in the state power ministry.
On completion of the plan, MSEDCL claimed it would be able to supply power to 32 lakh new connections in the state, including 23 lakh residential and 3 lakh commercial connections.
Meanwhile, industries minister Narayan Rane questioned the high transmission and distribution losses. On his insistence, the cabinet asked MSEDCL to make a presentation of the roadmap to eliminate these. Ajoy Mehta, MD of MSEDCL, agreed to make such a presentation.

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